Heat Stroke
Summer in the Deep South is long and hot,
and a number of illnesses can be attributed to the very high temperatures.
Certain groups of people are at greater risk for heat related
illness, especially the very young and the very old, due to their
inability to control their environment. Historically, persons
who work outdoors, athletes and anyone who spends long periods
of time outside often find themselves suffering the dangerous
effects of extremely hot temperatures.
The effects of high temperature on the
body range from minor illnesses and discomfort to potentially
fatal conditions.
Heat Edema: Characterized by mild
swelling and tightening of the hands and feet; it appears in the
first few days of exposure to a hot environment. Heat edema usually
eases and goes away on its on in a few days.
Prickly Heat: This is a rash that
develops on clothed areas of the body, caused by blockage of the
sweat pores. This condition causes extreme itching, and in rare
conditions can lead to significant skin infections. Prevention
is as easy as wearing clean, light, and loose-fitting clothing
and avoiding sweat-generating situations.
Heat Syncope: When the body becomes
low on fluids, a person feels weak and dizzy. Sometimes persons
experiencing heat syncope will also lose consciousness. Heat syncope
occurs when the body tries to cool itself by distributing the
blood toward the skin. This redistribution of blood can cause
the sensation of passing out. Heat syncope can be prevented and
treated by avoiding the heat and drinking lots of fluids.
Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are painful,
involuntary, spasmodic contractions of muscles, usually in the
calves, thighs, and shoulders. Despite the severity of the cramps,
this is not a life-threatening condition. Heat cramps can be avoided
by replacing lost fluids with plenty of water and avoiding the
heat.
Heat Exhaustion: These symptoms
include dizziness, weakness, malaise, fatigue lightheadedness,
fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle cramps. Other
symptoms include passing out, fast heart and respiratory rates
and high fever that can range from normal 98.6°F to 104°F.
Treatment involves replacement of fluids and electrolytes and
avoiding the heat. Heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heat
stroke.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke has been
defined as a combination of high fever [usually core temperature
above 105°F], altered mental status and the loss of the ability
to sweat. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency and is responsible
for many deaths every summer. The treatment is aggressive I.V.
fluid replacement and rapid cooling. Those suffering from heat
stroke often behave in a strange or combative manner. They may
also hallucinate or become comatose. If treated quickly, the majority
of persons suffering from heat stroke have a full recovery.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer,
there are a few precautions that should be considered to avoid
over-exposure to the heat.
1) Know your limitations. Each of us will
tolerate extreme temperatures differently based on our own medical
and physical history. If you are on medication, consult your primary
care doctor to ask if any special considerations are necessary.
2) Avoid the "middle of the day"
heat, from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the time that
the majority of patients suffer from heat exposure.
3) Stay well-hydrated. It is probably the
single most important precaution. Before entering the heat, "fill
your tanks up" and continue to drink throughout the day.
Water is the best liquid for hot weather. Alcohol should be avoided
because it dehydrates the body. Remember to continue to replace
fluids during the evening. It takes several hours to return the
body to its normal state.
4) Seek shade and a cool breeze, and take
plenty of breaks.
With the implementation of a few simple
precautions, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable summer.
If you have any questions regarding heat
stroke, please call St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Department
(225-647-5000), or consult your primary care doctor.
The emergency department of St. Elizabeth
Hospital is the premiere emergent care facility in Ascension Parish.
It is open 24 hours a day with highly trained doctors and nurses
who are committed to the health and safety of the residents of
Ascension Parish..
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