According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, each year, more than 400 people die in the United States due to the effects of heat illness - dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Who is at risk?
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
When we sweat, we get dehydrated - but serious dehydration occurs when the body loses too much fluid. Every cell in our body needs water to function. Dehydration happens when there is no longer enough fluid in the body to get blood to the organs. The cardiovascular system can’t deliver the oxygen and nutrients needed to keep muscles functioning without straining. The symptoms include:
• Weakness
• Unusual headache
• Muscle cramps
• Impaired judgment
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Sudden loss of consciousness.
Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider or go to the nearest emergency department.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
Check your urine color. Normally, urine is pale yellow. Dark-colored urine indicates that you need more fluids. If you haven’t felt the urge to urinate in more than a couple of hours, you may be dehydrated.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a condition in which the body temperature actually lowers in response to the heat. It can occur in people who are exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time. Heat exhaustion is marked by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and sometimes collapse.
Treat a mild case of heat exhaustion by removing the person from the heat and having the person drink fluids. It may be necessary to seek medical advice from a health care provider.
What is heatstroke?
Heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heatstroke, a serious condition caused by exposure to excessive heat. Unlike heat exhaustion, a person with heatstroke may have a dangerously high temperature. A person who experiences heatstroke will have dry skin (because he or she has stopped sweating in response to the heat), headache, thirst, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, dizziness, or unconsciousness.
If some of these symptoms persist or include disorientation, vomiting, and/or altered consciousness, there is risk of heatstroke. This is serious. Go directly to get medical aid.
How can heat illnesses be prevented?
• Drink at regular intervals before you get thirsty. Thirst is not a reliable indicator of hydration.
• Drink water or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade before, during and after physical activity.
• Avoid coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas and alcoholic drinks, which are are all diuretics.
• Take breaks from the direct rays of the sun.
• Wear light-colored clothing and a hat to reduce over-heating.
• Try to avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest time of the day.
Heat illnesses have some common symptoms, so it may be difficult for you to judge how serious your condition may be. Consult your health care provider if you have questions about any of these illnesses.
Carol Bensen, RN, is director of emergency and trauma services at St. Patrick Hospital.
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