There's nothing like working or playing outdoors on a summer day. We just have to remember not to overdo the fun. The risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases with a rise in temperature and humidity.
Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating), heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration) and heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure and even death.
Children, the elderly and those who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. Even athletes in top-notch condition can suffer from a heat illness.
It's important to tend to heat-related illness as quickly as possible and not ignore the warning signs.
HEAT CRAMPS: Heat cramps cause the muscles to painfully contract. They usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity; sweating depletes the body of salt and the low salt level causes painful cramps.
If cramps occur, stop all activity and sit in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside. Seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside in about an hour.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heat exhaustion is caused by extreme body heat. Excessive heat and dehydration can cause the body to overreact, thus raising your body temperature to more than 102 degrees.
HEATSTROKE: Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body loses its ability to sweat and cool down. Heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Preventing heat-related disorders
HYDRATION: This means drinking plenty of water before, during and after outdoor activities or exposure to the sun. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar; these cause you to lose body fluid.
VENTILATION: If you are outdoors, sit in the shade when possible. If you're indoors, open windows and use a fan or air conditioning during excessively hot days. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or a library; even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
CLOTHING: The clothes you wear affect how your body handles the heat. When possible, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your head from the sun and don't forget the sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Don't overdo it. Try to rest often in the shade. If you have to be outdoors, limit your activity to morning and evening. Heatstroke can happen rapidly. If you feel yourself getting lightheaded, take time to rest in the shade.
Other heat-related illnesses:
Heat syncope occurs when a person overheats and faints.
Heat edema is characterized by swelling in the arms and legs because of the heat.
Prickly heat is a heat rash that is red and very itchy.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Do not give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
Do not give the person salt tablets.
Do not give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
Do not use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
Do not give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious.
THOSE AT RISK
Any one can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
n Infants and young children.
n People 65 or older.
n Those who have heart disease or high blood pressure.
TREATING HEATSTROKE
If someone appears to be suffering from a heatstroke, call for help immediately. In the most severe cases, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if necessary. If the person is not a trauma patient (has not been in an accident, fight or fall), try to move him or her from the hot environment to a cooler location.
While waiting for an ambulance, lay the person down in a cool area and elevate the legs. If possible, remove sweat-soaked clothing and apply ice packs to the victim's neck, underarms, wrists, ankles and groin area.
Sources: Consumers Union, EMedicine Consumer Health, Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia and CDC National Center for Environment Health
