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E-mail This StoryIn a state where the heat shows no mercy, and “hot” is the weather prediction on a daily basis, many fall victim to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
With temperatures soaring to over 100 degrees for the past several weeks, heat-related illnesses have become a great concern for North Texas residents. This has prompted a series of efforts by local hospitals and organizations to educate citizens on the signs of heat stroke and how to prevent it.
Those at the greatest risk for heat-related illness include children and infants under four years of age, people over 65-years-old, people who are overweight ,and those that are ill or taking specific medications.
“Prevention is key in these instances. Though we often think of overexertion in extremely hot weather as the key to this condition, older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions and inadequate air conditioning are also at risk,” said Dr. David French, a physician at Lake Pointe Medical Center. “Staying cool, keeping hydrated, and moderating activity are all important steps.”
According to the Texas Medical Association, heat stroke occurs when the body can’t keep itself cool. When sweating isn’t enough to cool the body, its temperature rises and heat stroke may develop. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are: dry skin that is hot but no longer sweating, a rapid heartbeat, a high body temperature and loss of consciousness.
Heat exhaustion is a lesser level of heat-related illness, but still very serious when it occurs. According to French, heat exhaustion is characterized by dehydration, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, dizziness and even syncope- or passing out.
“Heat stroke is more serious in that the body’s ability to maintain temperature fails,” French said. “As a person’s temperature rises, it can start to cause organ damage, most noticeably to the brain. A person becomes confused or even comatose. Though heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke if untreated, heat stroke may occur rapidly with few symptoms before a patient collapses.”
If anyone suspects that another individual is suffering symptoms of either heat exhaustion or heat stroke, immediate medical attention should be sought.
“The two most important things that a person can do are, one, call 911 to get their loved one to a hospital, and two, start to cool them as quickly as possible by removing clothing, fanning them, and applying ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin,” French said. “Additionally, if the person is confused and starts to vomit, roll them on to their side so they don’t choke.”
To prevent heat stroke, several precautions should be taken. According to the Texas Medical Association, these are some of the steps people may take for prevention:
Stay indoors in air-conditioned areas when possible.
Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Drink extra water all day. Drink less tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which can lead to dehydration.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
Protect the body from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella.
Increase the time spent in daily outdoor activities slowly and gradually.
Don’t spend time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks and drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if not thirsty.
If a person has a chronic medical problem, they should ask their doctor about drinking extra fluids and about medicines being taken.
