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Heatstroke, Heat Exhaustion, and Dehydration. By Our Student Pharmacist, Steve McVey.

Summer heat

The arrival of summer brings us sunny weather and many opportunities for outdoor activities. With the good weather, it is important to be mindful of spending excessive amounts of time in the heat. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, cause approximately 600 deaths per year and all pose serious risks. However heat-related illnesses are preventable if you take the right precautions and watch for danger signs.

Higher temperatures, muggy or humid weather, and sun exposure can all increase the risk of heat-related illness. Under any of these conditions, the body may overheat and not be able to cool down properly. We normally sweat to help our bodies cool down, but dehydration, dry skin, or sunburn can stop the skin from sweating or releasing heat properly. However, in some circumstances, even proper sweating may not be enough to cool down our body temperature.

dehydration

Some special populations including older adults, young children, people with other health conditions, and athletes are all at an increased risk from prolonged heat exposure.

Visit this CDC link to find more information about protecting at risk populations.

Heatstroke may be caused by either strenuous activity or simply being in a hot environment for an extended period of time. Other factors like wearing too much clothing, drinking alcohol, or dehydration can lead to heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is often caused by the same conditions and circumstances and can lead to heatstroke.

Hallmark signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion include increased body temperature, with heatstroke being above 103℉ and heat exhaustion being above the normal 98.6℉. A person with heatstroke may have hot, red, dry, or damp skin and may have a throbbing headache. Those with heat exhaustion usually sweat excessively and their skin may be cool or damp. Heat cramps are often the first sign of heat exhaustion.

You can click here for a chart with more information about signs and symptoms

Drinking water

It is important to stay hydrated and limit exposure to heat and sunlight. Everyone should increase their water intake during summer months regardless of how much exercise or activity you are getting. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you are fluid restricted, ask your doctor about how much you should drink.

You can also help prevent heat-related illness by dressing in lightweight, light colored, and loose fitting clothing. Plan outdoor activities in the morning and evenings to avoid the hottest times of the day. Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 15 or higher, 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply according to package instructions. Stay indoors when possible in a cool, air conditioned room. Fans may help with comfort, but air conditioning is needed in extreme heat to help lower body temperature. Never leave anyone, child or adult or pet, in a car in hot weather. Temperatures may reach upwards of 110℉ in as little as 20 minutes.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately, move them to a shady area, and cool their body temperature rapidly with cool baths/water. Do not give them anything to drink. If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, use similar methods to cool them down, and give them cool water to sip. Heat cramps may be treated with rest and cool sports drinks or juice.

You can find more information about how to treat heat-related illnesses here.

Remember to stay hydrated, stay informed, and stay safe while enjoying the summer weather.

References:

  1. About Extreme Heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.html. Updated June 19, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Extreme Heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.html. Reviewed June 1, 2012. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  3. Protecting Vulnerable Groups From Extreme Heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/specificgroups.html. Reviewed June 19, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  4. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html. Reviewed June 19, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  5. Mayo Clinic Staff. Heatstroke. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581. Reviewed August 15, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  6. Mayo Clinic Staff. Heat Exhaustion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250. Reviewed December 14, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  7. Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html. Reviewed September 1, 2017. Accessed June 6, 2019.

Dehydration pic link https://www.accesssportsmed.com/news/how-to-tell-youre-dehydrated/

Heat pic link https://northendwaterfront.com/2018/07/tips-for-beating-the-summer-heat/

Drinking water link https://centralflawatertreatment.com/clean-and-healthy-drinking-water

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