When it’s too darn hot, the weather can not only be a pain, it can also be life-threatening, doctors say.

Monday, August 06, 2001

When it’s too darn hot, the weather can not only be a pain, it can also be life-threatening, doctors say. Especially in areas like ours, where humidity compounds the effects of heat and leaves people at risk for a number of heat-related illnesses.

Heat cramps, heat fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all forms of the same illness, when the body’s thermoregulatory system can’t keep it cool enough, said Albert Lea Medical Center doctor Michael Ulrich.

Heat cramps or heat fainting are the mildest form of the condition, he said.

&uot;The body tries to cool itself, and in doing that, the vessels at the outside of the body dilate and it can take blood from the core of the body and you can faint,&uot; Ulrich said.

Heat exhaustion, with symptoms of headache, fatigue, anxiety and hyperventilation, is a more serious condition, he said. Heat stroke is the most serious form, after body temperatures reach 104 degrees and higher, and can be fatal. Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, dry skin, no sweating, muscle cramps, flushing, shallow breathing and a rapid, weak pulse.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s heat-regulating mechanism breaks down. It usually happens after long exposure to hot temperatures when you’re not used to a new climate. It can also be caused by working in an extremely hot environment, a high fever associated with illness, or exercising too strenuously. Overdressing, overeating, and drinking too much alcohol are contributing factors.

&uot;For all these conditions, hydration is very important,&uot; Ulrich said. &uot;Sports drinks can help somewhat, because they have some electrolyte salts in them, but all caffeinated drinks should be avoided, because the caffeine causes the body to lose water.&uot;

People should call their doctor if they feel dizzy or weak, or realize they are no longer sweating, Ulrich said. If anyone faints during an event, others should call the ambulance so paramedics can assess their condition.

&uot;It’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly,&uot; he said.

Ulrich sees only three or four mild cases of heat exhaustion per year, but in weather like this, everyone needs to take precautions to make sure they will stay healthy and hydrated, he said.

Hydration is key to preventing heat-related illnesses, Ulrich said. In intense heat, people should increase their intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverages, he said. Alcohol and caffeine actually dehydrate the body.

Eliminate strenuous activities like biking and lawn care during the hot hours. Exercise in the early morning, even before the sun is out if possible, he said.

&uot;I see a lot of people running at noon when it’s very hot,&uot; he said. &uot;You’re really putting your body at extreme danger.&uot;

If you must work outside, acclimate to the heat by gradually increasing workload and exposure to let your body adjust. But overall, try to stay out of the sun and in air conditioning if possible.

&uot;Shopping malls can even be good,&uot; Ulrich said.

People should keep an eye on elderly relatives, neighbors and friends to make sure they are taking care of themselves in the heat, he said. The elderly are especially prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, he said.

&uot;Their reserves to deal with it are much less, and their internal heat production exceeds their heat loss,&uot; he said.

With heat exhaustion, it can take two or three days for the body’s thermoregulation to get back on track. Even with a mild case of heat cramps, people should avoid excessive heat for one to three days, he said.

Heatstroke information

When your body can no longer keep your temperature normal, heat exhaustion becomes heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke are:

— hot, dry skin

— no sweating

— muscle cramps

— flushing

— shallow breathing

— rapid, weak pulse

— body temperature over 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

What to do

If you think someone has heatstroke, call 911 or a doctor immediately. In the meantime, give first aid as follows:

— Move the person to a shady area.

— Remove the person’s clothing.

–&160;Cover the person with a wet sheet, and keep the sheet wet for cooling from evaporation.

— Fan the person with paper or an electric fan (preferably not cold air).

— Sponge down the body, especially the head, with cool water.

— Continue giving first aid until the rectal temperature drops to 101 degrees F (38.5 degrees C), or until the body feels cool to the touch. If the person is conscious, let them sip water, fruit juice, or a sports drink.

Effects

Heatstroke is a very serious problem. Depending on your general health and age, the effects can last as long as a day or two. The fever and disturbance of body temperature should be treated as soon as discovered.

People with true heatstroke will need to be hospitalized in most cases.

Prevention

— Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather.\Wear a broad-brimmed hat and light-colored clothing in the summer.

— Take time to get used to a new climate before being very active or staying in the sun.

— Drink plenty of water whenever you spend a lot of time in the sun or in a hot environment.

— Be aware of how your body reacts to intense sun and high temperatures, and plan accordingly.

— Open windows, or use a fan or air conditioner to improve air circulation.

— Limit food intake to small meals, and limit alcohol intake and activity when it is very hot or when you’re not used to a hot climate.

Developed by Phyllis G. Cooper, R.N., M.N., and Clinical Reference Systems. Copyright 1998.