HEAT STROKE: Dangers and what to do

Summer – sun, sand and sea; while this is great for the holiday vibe, the sun is not so good for our bodies. Excessive exposure to sun and heat can lead to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions, even more so in vulnerable groups such as elderly and infirm people.

Warm weather and outdoor activity generally go hand in hand. However, it is important for older people, small children and those in poor health or overweight to take action to avoid the health problems often caused by hot weather.

Hyperthermia is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat/sun stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

What is HEAT EXHAUSTION?

Heat exhaustion results from an excessive loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of prolonged high heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. It can strike quickly.

Symptoms

Muscle cramps
Pale, moist skin
Usually has a fever over 34° C
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Fatigue
Weakness
Anxiety, and faint feeling

Recommended treatment

Move the person to a cool place and encourage to rest.
Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin, especially on neck wrists and ankles; fan to cool the skin.
Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar, or oral electrolyte mixtures. If none of these are available offer the patient a small amount of salt to eat, followed by some water. This will help restore the important electrolyte balance in the body.
If the person is unable to take in fluids or no improvement is detected, take the ill person to a medical emergency department immediately. IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed.

SPECIAL TIP – ASK FOR ELECTROLYTES AT THE NEAREST PHARMACY; GET THE PATIENT TO LICK SOME ORDINARY TABLE SALT IN THE MEANTIME.

SPECIAL TIP – CLICK THIS LINK FOR A DOWNLOADABLE VERSION OF SHOWME’S Paarl Emergency Numbers.

What is HEAT STROKE?

Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

Warm, dry skin
high fever, usually over 40° C
Rapid heart rate
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Fatigue
Confusion
Agitation
Lethargy
Stupor
Seizures, coma, and death are possible

Recommended treatment

Move the person to a cool place and encourage to rest.
Call your local emergency medical service. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin.
Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas.
Offer cool fluids if alert and able to drink. Best options are cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar, or oral electrolyte mixtures. If none of these are available offer the patient a small amount of salt to eat, followed by some water. This will help restore the electrolyte balance in the body.

Factors which may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses include:

Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, and changes in the skin caused by the normal aging process.
Heat, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may increase their risk.
The inability to perspire, caused by medications including diuretics, sedatives and tranquilisers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a doctor.

SPECIAL TIP – VULNERABLE GROUPS LIKE THE ELDERLY SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CARE AND STAY OUT OF THE SUN. IF NECESSARY APPLY MOIST CLOTHS TO NECK, WRISTS AND ANKLES. FAN TO KEEP COOL UNTIL FEELING MORE COMFORTABLE.

PREVENTION is best:

If you have older adult relatives or neighbours, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress in the following ways:

Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by regularly drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level.

Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.