Heating Up – Hyperthermia Takes Many Forms, None of them Desirable

Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It is even riskier if you are older or have health problems. It is important to get relief from the heat quickly. If not, you might begin to feel confused or faint. Your heart could become stressed and stop beating.

Being hot for too long can be a problem. It can cause several illnesses, all grouped under the name hyperthermia:

Heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that can happen when you are active in hot weather. If you take a heart medication called a beta blocker or are not used to hot weather, you are even more likely to feel faint. Rest in a cool place, put your legs up, and drink water to make the dizzy feeling go away.

Heat cramps are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or exercise. Though your body temperature and pulse usually stay normal during heat cramps, your skin may feel moist and cool. Find a way to cool your body down. Rest in the shade or in a cool building. Drink plenty of fluids, but not those with alcohol or caffeine.

Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Put your legs up to help reduce swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.

Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You may sweat a lot. Your body temperature may stay normal, but your skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse. Rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. Be careful — heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

If you have heat stroke, you need to get medical help right away. Older people living in homes or apartments without air conditioning or fans are at most risk. People who become dehydrated or those with chronic diseases or alcoholism are also at most risk.

Signs of heat stroke include fainting or becoming unconscious; a change in behavior — confusion, agitation, staggering, being grouchy, or acting strangely; body temperature over 104°F; dry, flushed skin and a strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse; and not sweating even if it is hot.

 

Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50 years old. Health problems that put you at greater risk include:

• Heart or blood-vessel problems;

• Poorly working sweat glands or changes in your skin caused by normal aging;

• Heart, lung, or kidney disease, as well as any illness that makes you feel weak all over or results in a fever;

• Conditions treated by drugs, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high-blood-pressure medicines, which make it harder for your body to cool itself;

• Taking several prescription drugs (ask your doctor if any of your medications make you more likely to become overheated);

• Being very overweight or underweight; and

• Drinking alcoholic beverages.

 

• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water or fruit or vegetable juices. Stay away from drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what to do when it is very hot.

• If you live in a home or apartment without fans or air conditioning, try to keep your house as cool as possible. Limit your use of the oven. Keep your shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Open your windows at night.

• If your house is hot, try to spend time during midday some place that has air conditioning — for example, go to the shopping mall, movies, library, senior center, or a friend’s house.

• If you need help getting to a cool place, ask a friend or relative. Some religious groups and senior centers provide this service. If necessary, take a taxi or call for senior transportation. Don’t stand outside in the heat waiting for a bus.

• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics, such as cotton, to be cooler than synthetic fibers.

• Don’t try to exercise or do a lot of activities outdoors when it’s hot.

• Avoid crowded places when it’s hot outside. Plan trips during non-rush-hour times.

• Listen to weather reports. If the temperature or humidity is going up or an air-pollution alert is in effect, you are at increased risk for a heat-related illness. Play it safe by checking the weather report before going outside.