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While these conditions are a threat to anyone, seniors are classified as being more susceptible or having more intense symptoms. Heat exhaustion, which can occur after prolonged exposure to extreme heat, can range in severity and can even lead to heat stroke in some situations.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Feeling Lightheaded, Dizzy, or Weak
- Fainting
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Intense Perspiration
- Rapid, Weak Heartbeat
- Low Blood Pressure
- Cool, Moist, or Pale Skin
- Low-Grade Fever
- Heat Cramps
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dark-Colored Urine
- Fast, Shallow Breathing
If you feel these symptoms or notice them in someone else, it is important to act immediately and take appropriate measures to ensure the heat exhaustion does not worsen.
In the case of heat exhaustion:
- Move the person out of direct sunlight. Relocate them to a place with shade or air conditioning.
- Lay the person down, slightly elevating legs and feet.
- Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
- Have the person drink cool water (or some other beverage containing no alcohol or caffeine).
- Cool the person by spraying or sponging them with cool water and fanning.
- Have the person take time to rest.
- Monitor the person carefully to ensure that heat exhaustion does not intensify to heat stroke.
In the case that heat exhaustion does turn into heat stroke, there are several other symptoms and treatments to use.
Symptoms include:
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Rapid, Shallow Breathing
- High Body Temperature
- Elevated or Lowered Blood Pressure
- Ceasing of Perspiration, w/ Hot, Red or Flushed, Dry Skin
- Strange Behaviors such as: Irritability, Disorientation, Unconsciousness, Hallucinations
- Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle Cramps
- Seizure
- Coma
- Fainting (May be the first sign of heat stroke in older adults.)
If you suspect yourself or someone else to be having a heat stroke, do the following:
- Move the person out of direct sunlight. Relocate them to a place with shade or air conditioning.
- Call 911 or Emergency Medical Help
- Cool the person down. Remove clothing if possible; cover him or her with damp sheets or spray with cool water. Direct air onto the person using fans, newspapers, or other methods. Place ice packs under the armpits and groins.
- Monitor body temperature with a thermometer. Continue cooling efforts until body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If the person is able, have him or her drink cool water (or some other beverage containing no alcohol or caffeine).
It is very important that heat strokes are treated promptly and properly. As mentioned earlier, seniors are highly susceptible to heat stroke, especially those with certain conditions or taking certain medications. In the event of heat stroke, the body's methods of naturally cooling itself, such as sweating, become inadequate and cause overheating. Heat strokes can also be caused or intensified due to dehydration, alcohol usage, cardiovascular disease, and certain medications.
If you are going to be in the sun for lengthy periods of time, it is important to use practice proper procedures. Use the following tips when exercising or participating in outside activities in order to keep cool and prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
- Avoid any unnecessary vigorous activity in hot, humid weather.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or sport drinks, but avoid alcohol and caffeine (these lead to dehydration). Replenish your body with electrolytes (like sodium) and fluids in the instance of intense perspiration or prolonged vigorous activity.
- Wear proper clothing. Clothing should be light-colored, lightweight, and loose fitting. Hats are also a good idea.
- Take your time. Allow your body to adapt to the heat and gradually increase your activity. Don't try to do too much too fast.
- Avoid midday sun. Plan your outside activities during morning or evening hours when the outside temperature is cooler. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.
- Use sunscreen. Sunburn decreases the body's ability to cool itself.
Practice these tips to ensure healthy outdoor routines, and don't forget to check on elderly neighbors and relatives. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the remainder of summer!!
Information in this post was gathered and compiled from MedicineNet.com and Mayo Clinic Online. Click the links for more information on heat-related illnesses and other conditions.
