Dehydration and Heat
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very common heat-related illnesses that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Dehydration can lead to a serious heat-related disease. Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person is overexposed to the sun and or heat, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate. Dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
thirst
less-frequent urination
dry skin
fatigue
light-headedness
dizziness
dry mouth and mucous membranes
increased heart rate and breathing
In cases of mild dehydration, simple re-hydration is recommended by drinking electrolyte drinks-fluids. There are many sports drinks and electrolyte formulas like Pedialyte on the market and home brews which effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.
For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Drink appropriate sports/electrolyte drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.
Heat Stroke!
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.
Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity and/or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.
If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.
The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
headache
dizziness
disorientation, agitation or confusion
sluggishness or fatigue
seizure
hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
a high body temperature
loss of consciousness
rapid heart beat
hallucinations
It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.
Get the person indoors.
Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.
There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to increased dehydration.
Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using cover from the sun.
Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat. (Heat tolerance)
During outdoor activities in the heat, take frequent drink breaks.
The 13 Levels of Heat Illness
Thirst
Discomfort
Appetite loss
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Slurred speech
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty walking
Loss of Senses
Inability to swallow
Collapse
DEATH!
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