Keep your cool: How to avoid heat-related illnesses

As an emergency room nurse, I have cared for visitors and locals who experience heat-related illnesses. This includes dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. It is important to understand the differences, especially when exercising in an area like Lake Tahoe with higher altitudes and higher temperatures.

Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluid to carry out normal functions. Young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk. Common causes include intense diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Not drinking enough water during hot weather or exercise also may cause dehydration.

Mild to moderate dehydration symptoms include the folowing:

Dry, sticky mouth

Fatigue

Feeling thirsty

Headache

Not urinating

Dry skin

Constipation

Dizzy/lightheaded

You may reverse dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration requires medical treatment.

Heat exhaustion can occur after a prolonged dehydration period. Triggers that cause the body to overheat include extended time in higher temperatures, and strenuous activity. Symptoms may appear suddenly, or develop over time, particularly after extended periods of exercise.

Possible symptoms of heat exhaustion include th4 following:

Confusion

Headache

Muscle cramps

Nausea

Pale skin

Fatigue

Rapid heartbeat

Treatment for dehydration and heat exhaustion is straight forward. If you, or anyone else, has mild or moderate symptoms of a heat-related illness, I recommend to do the following:

Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol)

Take a cool shower/bath/ sponge bath

Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing

If this does not provide relief within an hour, contact a doctor because heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat injury. If the body’s core reaches 104°F, this is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, also called sunstroke, call 911 immediately. Help cool the patient until paramedics arrive. The National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) released new guidelines in June suggesting that heat stroke victims need immediate cooling before going to a hospital.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

Fainting (may be first sign)

Nausea

Altered mental state: person agitated, aggressive, or confused

Dizziness/lightheadedness

Red, hot and dry skin

Rapid heartbeat

Muscle weakness, cramps

Throbbing headache

Seizures

The safest approach is prevention and education. In hot weather, drink fluids regularly to help prevent dehydration and heat-related illness. Avoid waiting until you feel thirsty, you may be dehydrated Monitor fluid loss during hot weather, illness, or exercise, and consume liquids to replace water loss. Sports beverages can replace salts and minerals after you sweat. Wear sun protection, including a brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Take breaks in the shade and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Tamara Burns, RN is an Emergency Room nurse at Barton Memorial Hospital.