Tasha Hofmann, DO, physician at Rangeley Region Health Center, reminds us to enjoy the summer while protecting ourselves and our families from heat related problems.

Be careful in the summer heat! (Heat related illnesses)

There are a number of heat-related illnesses ranging in their severity from mild heat cramps to heat stroke, which can potentially be life-threatening. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses often develop suddenly, sometimes after extreme physical exertion, heavy perspiration, and inadequate fluid intake. Children four and younger and people over the age of 65, as well as people with obesity, are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot weather. Most often affected are the muscles in the arms, calves, back, and abdomen; however any muscle can be affected.

While heat exhaustion and heat stroke have a number of similar symptoms, it is important to know the differences to ensure the victim receives proper medical care in time to prevent permanent damage.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion resemble those of shock and may include:

• Feeling faint
• Nausea
• Heavy sweating
• Ashen appearance
• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Cool, moist skin
• Low-grade fever

Treatment for heat exhaustion:

• Drink cool beverages (do not drink alcohol)
• Rest
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Find shade or an air-conditioned place to rest.

Heat stroke shares many of the same symptoms of heat exhaustion. In addition to the symptoms listed above, heat stroke victims may experience cessation of sweating, rapid and shallow breathing, fainting (which may be the first sign of heat stroke in older adults), as well as irritability, confusion, or unconsciousness.

If you suspect yourself or someone with you has heat stroke, call for medical assistance immediately. Try to cool him down with whatever methods are available (cool bath or shower, spraying him with cool water from a garden hose, using a sponge to cover him with cool water). If possible, monitor the body temperature and attempt to get it down to 101-102°F. Never give the victim alcohol.

To reduce the risk of developing a heat-related illness, wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/FA00020
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=182&topcategory=Wellness