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Hyperthermia
A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People
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Introduction
Warm weather and
outdoor activity generally go hand in hand. However, it is important
for older people to take action to avoid the severe 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 stroke. Of
the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate
medical attention (see Definitions).
What causes hyperthermia?
Regardless of extreme
weather conditions, the healthy human body keeps a steady temperature
of 98.6° F (37° C). In hot weather, or during vigorous activity,
the body perspires. As this perspiration evaporates from the
skin, the body is cooled. If challenged by long periods of intense
heat, the body may lose its ability to respond efficiently.
When this occurs, a person can experience hyperthermia.
What can be done to prevent hyperthermia?
- Drink plenty of
liquids, even if not thirsty.
- Dress in light-weight,
light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid the mid-day
heat and do not engage in vigorous activity during the hottest
part of the day (noon - 4 p.m.).
- Wear a hat or
use an umbrella for shade.
- If possible, use
air conditioners liberally or try to visit air-conditioned
places such as libraries, shopping malls, and theaters. For
an air conditioner to be beneficial it should be set below
80° F.
- If not used to
the heat, get accustomed to it slowly by exposing yourself
to it briefly at first and increasing the time little by little.
- Avoid hot, heavy
meals. Do a minimum of cooking and use an oven only when absolutely
necessary.
- Ask your physician
whether you are at particular risk because of medication.
Health
and lifestyle risk factors
The temperature does
not have to hit 100° for a person to be at risk. Both one’s
general health and/or lifestyle may increase a person’s chance
of suffering a heat-related illness.
Health
factors which may increase risk 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. However,
salt pills should not be used without first asking a doctor.
- The inability
to perspire, caused by medications including diuretics, sedatives
and tranquilizers, 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 physician.
- Being substantially
overweight or underweight.
- Drinking alcoholic
beverages.
Lifestyle
factors that can increase risk include:
Unbearably hot
living quarters. People who live in homes without fans or
air conditioners should take the following steps to reduce heat
discomfort: open windows at night; create cross-ventilation
by opening windows on two sides of the building; cover windows
when they are exposed to direct sunlight; and keep curtains,
shades, or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
Lack of transportation.
People without fans or air conditioners often are unable to
go to shopping malls, movie houses, and libraries because of
illness and/or the lack of transportation. Friends or relatives
might be asked to supply transportation on particularly hot
days. Many communities, area agencies, religious groups, and
senior citizen centers provide such services.
Overdressing.
Because they may not feel the heat, older people may not dress
appropriately in hot weather. Perhaps a friend or family member
can help to select proper clothing. Natural fabrics such as
cotton are best.
Visiting overcrowded
places. Trips should be scheduled during non-rush hour times
and participation in special events should be carefully planned.
Not understanding
weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at
special risk (see health factors), should stay indoors on especially
hot and humid days, particularly when there is an air pollution
alert in effect.
How is hyperthermia treated?
If the victim is
exhibiting signs of heat stroke, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Without medical attention heat stroke is frequently deadly,
especially for older people.
Heat exhaustion may be treated in several ways:
- Get the victim
out of the sun and into a cool place - preferably one that
is air-conditioned.
- Offer fluids but
avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit and vegetable
juices are best.
- Encourage the
individual to shower or bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
- Urge the person
to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.
How is hyperthermia detected?
A person with symptoms
including headache, nausea, and fatigue after exposure to heat
probably has some measure of a heat-related illness. It is important
to recognize the difference between the very serious condition
known as heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Persons
experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a doctor.
Definitions
Heat stress
occurs when a strain is placed on the body as a result of hot
weather.
Heat fatigue
is a feeling of weakness brought on by high outdoor temperature.
Symptoms include cool, moist skin and a weakened pulse. The
person may feel faint.
Heat syncope
is sudden dizziness experienced after exercising in the heat.
The skin appears pale and sweaty but is generally moist and
cool. The pulse may be weakened, and the heart rate is usually
rapid. Body temperature is normal.
Heat cramps
are painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following
strenuous activity. The skin is usually moist and cool and the
pulse is normal or slightly raised. Body temperature is mostly
normal. Heat cramps often are caused by a lack of salt in the
body, but salt replacement should not be considered without
advice from a physician.
Heat exhaustion
is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may
be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and sweating
profusely. The body temperature is usually normal and the pulse
is normal or raised. The skin is cold and clammy. Although heat
exhaustion often is caused by the body’s loss of water and salt,
salt supplements should only be taken with advice from a doctor.
Heat stroke
can be LIFE-THREATENING! Victims of heat stroke almost always
die so immediate medical attention is essential when problems
first begin. A person with heat stroke has a body temperature
above 104° F. Other symptoms may include confusion, combativeness,
bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse,
dry flushed skin, lack of sweating, possible delirium or coma.
Heat-related illnesses
can become serious if preventative steps are not taken. It is
important to realize that older people are at particular risk
of hyperthermia. Many people die of heat stroke each year; most
are over 50 years of age. With good, sound judgment and knowledge
of preventive measures the summer can remain safe and enjoyable
for everyone.
August 1989 |
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