We welcome the season's heat as we welcome summer here on Hilton Head Island and neighboring areas. While prolonged exposure to heat is unsafe for anyone, seniors are especially vulnerable to heat-related emergencies. Older adults often have health issues that put them at greater risk of hyperthermia, or a dangerously overheated body, including blood vessel problems, diseases of the heart or lungs, and changes in your skin and sweat glands. Some medications complicate the body's response to heat, including diuretics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. It is critical to discuss your medications with your medical professional.
Here, we will talk about heat stroke, how it looks, what to do if you think you have heat-related trouble, and how to avoid it.
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat-related illnesses may come on particularly fast, especially for older people. There is generally a progression of symptoms, ultimately culminating in heat stroke. Heat Cramps are usually the first sign of your body's stress to the heat. Your muscles may cramp, and your abdomen may be painful. Heat exhaustion usually follows. Sufferers of heat exhaustion may have a headache and weakness, be nauseous and dizzy, and likely be heavily sweating and thirsty. Heat stroke is severe and occurs when your body can no longer regulate its temperature; sweating ceases, and your body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
How Does Heat Stroke Look?
Heat stroke results from your body's temperature rising very quickly and being unable to be cooled. Body temperatures can reach 106 degrees in a short period, which is life-threatening. The symptoms of heat stroke include confusion and an altered mental status, coma, hot and dry skin, seizures, and very high body temperature. If left untreated, heat stroke can damage internal organs and lead to death. Older adults are vulnerable to heat stroke because their aging bodies adapt to temperature changes more slowly.
What Do You Do if You Suspect a Heat-Related Illness
Knowing the early symptoms of a heat-related illness is critical to managing your body's response to hot weather here in Bluffton and surrounding areas. Seniors don't have to be exposed to the heat for long to feel the effects. Symptoms of heat stress include muscle cramps, nausea, disorientation and confusion, fainting, and paleness. If you or your older loved one begins experiencing these symptoms, move to a cool area and cool the body immediately; this may mean sponging them down with a damp cloth or wetting them down with a garden hose. Heat-related illness can escalate in seniors; it's essential to render first aid immediately.
Heat stroke, the most serious of heat-related illnesses, is a medical emergency; call for help immediately. While waiting for medical professionals, it's critical to cool the body using cool water and fans and moving them to a cool area. If they are awake, provide sips of water.
Avoiding Heat-Related Illness
Watch the weather and avoid exposure on hot days; stay inside in the cool air and enjoy outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening. Draw your curtains to keep heat out. If you don't have air conditioning in your home, try taking cool showers and using fans to move the air. Reducing caffeine and alcohol is essential as they are mildly diuretic. Your urine also gives you important clues; brown or dark yellow urine may suggest your body is dehydrated. Increasing fluids is essential. Above all, if you start feeling unwell, seek help. Check out this blog about exercise for the senior.
While heat stroke does occur, you can avoid it. Understanding the risk of our hot days and early symptoms of a heat-related illness is vital. If you are feeling unwell, seek medical care. Contact us today to learn more about in-home care; we look forward to sharing how our specialized care can help you live your best life!