Published: July 12, 2009 12:00 am      

Senior Scene: About your health: Treat heat illnesses quickly

Now that summer is upon us, heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke become real threats to our health.

As the temperature and humidity increase, so will our risks for illness.

You may not think any heat-related illness will affect you in upstate New York.

Just a few months ago we were still trying to keep warm during the snow and cold.

However, the mere fact that we live in a cooler climate puts us at increased risk for heat illnesses.

When heat waves occur, there isn't time to acclimate to the increase in ambient heat and humidity. Once humidity levels exceed 75 percent, symptoms can start to set in.

Our body can work like a well-oiled machine under normal temperatures. Our skin, sweat glands, lungs and brain (to name a few) all work together to monitor and dissipate heat as it's gained to regulate our body temperature.

The elderly and debilitated are at increased risk for heat stroke and exhaustion because of chronic illnesses, medications and decreased tolerance to temperature changes. Younger people are at risk for heat stroke because of prolonged exertion in high temperature and humidity with inadequate hydration and rest. More often, heat exhaustion will be seen with usual, prolonged activity in a heat wave.

Heat exhaustion occurs when we work or play in a hot, humid environment.

As we exert ourselves, one of the main ways to dissipate heat is by sweating. This becomes more difficult when the humidity rises.

In addition, we start to lose fluid and vital electrolytes when we sweat. Eventually, without adequate and proper fluid replacement, symptoms will start to set in.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include pale, moist skin, muscle cramps and nausea. This will progress to dizziness, weakness and headache. Immediate treatment should begin at home with adequate rehydration. If the nausea isn't too overwhelming, we should focus on plenty of water and sports drinks (to replace lost electrolytes). Avoid alcohol, caffeine and drinks high in sugar, as this will make fluid losses worse and lead to persistent symptoms. Other treatments include resting in a cool area, loosening clothing and applying cool water to skin.

Heat stroke can be more rapid in onset and more life-threatening. One of the biggest risk factors for heat stroke is if the body's cooling mechanism is impaired. Chronic medical conditions and medication such as Benadryl and other antihistamines, blood pressure medication and those that treat depression can affect the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

The symptoms of heat stroke include chest and abdominal pains, confusion or loss of consciousness, vomiting and a body temperature above 104 degrees. Once these symptoms set in, move to a cool environment, if possible, and call 911. Heat stroke should never be treated at home.

Once in the Emergency Department, heat-related illnesses are treated with IV fluid replacement, cooling measures to bring down the body's elevated temperature, labs to check for electrolyte imbalance and cardiac monitoring. Urine output will be measured to follow hydration status and eventually, admission to the hospital for further tests and monitoring.

It is interesting to know that 75 percent of Americans are dehydrated. We are not thirsty until we are 3 percent dehydrated.

So, enjoy yourself this summer. As we have come to realize, summer is short in upstate New York but there will be days of high heat and humidity. Remember to stay cool when those days occur and try not to lose your cool.

Dr. Gene R. Pellerin is the director of emergency services at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.