The Perils of Heat Exhaustion, SENIOR Magazine

By: Joan Weems, Victory Home Health & Hospice, for SENIOR Magazine (Texoma edition)

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body gets too hot. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls thirst and hunger, also controls the body’s core temperature. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. But if you are exposed to high temperatures for a long time (working outdoors in the summer, for example) and don’t replace the fluids you lose, the body systems that regulate temperature become overwhelmed. As a result, your body produces more heat than it can release. Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention because it can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion may include:

Heavy sweating

Fatigue, weakness

Headache

Pale, clammy skin

Thirst

Heartbeat, weak and rapid

Dizziness, fainting

Nausea, vomiting

Muscle cramps

Mild temperature elevations

Breathing, fast and shallow

The following factors increase the risk of developing heat exhaustion:

Age, the elderly and children under 5

Illness or chronic disability

Obesity

Cardiovascular disease

Hypertension

Respiratory disease

Drinking alcohol

Physical exertion especially in hot or humid weather

Certain medications that interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself, including antipsychotics, tranquilizers, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, and some over-the-counter sleeping pills

Treatment

Take a cool shower or bath, drink water, rest, get into an air-conditioned environment. If the body temperature goes above 104°F, or if coma or seizure occurs, the patient may have a heat stroke. Heat stroke can quickly lead to a heart attack and/or death if not treated. Seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention

If you are working or exercising in the heat, don’t wait until you get thirsty to drink fluids. Instead, drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the activity. Stay in cool or air-conditioned spaces when possible on hot days.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which can cause dehydration. Drink water or sports drinks sweetened with natural juices.

Exercise or work outdoors during cooler times of day.

Wear loose, lightweight clothing.

About Victory Home Health & Hospice

Victory is prepared to help you with any medical problems or healthcare questions you may have. Victory wants to provide you with valuable information that will allow you and your family to make informed decisions for your healthcare. We can help you understand your diagnosis, monitor blood pressure or blood sugars, weight, lab values, teach side effects of new medications, diabetic teaching and how to monitor your blood sugar, wound care to include decubitus ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, incisions, unna boots or compression therapy, manage central venous and picc lines, therapy(physical, speech, occupational) to get you back to your optimal level of health, and nursing staff to ensure you regain your independence as you recover from, or live with an illness or injury.

If you have a terminal diagnosis, the Victory Hospice team will create an individual plan for you and your family that will meet your needs. The Victory team can provide medical, spiritual, physical and emotional support along with pain control. Bereavement care is also a part of the hospice service.

Victory also has Victory Medical Equipment to meet your equipment needs. Victory Medical Equipment sells a variety of oxygen therapy products, nebulizers, C-Pap’s and Bi-Pap’s, diabetic and ostomy supplies, lift chairs, scooters, electric wheelchairs, beds, walkers, uniforms and various medical supplies

The author is an RN and the Owner/Administrator of Victory Home Health & Hospice. The main corporate office, which may be reached at 888-815-7922, can direct callers to nearest location.