The summer heat can be dangerous if we’re not careful, especially in areas where it gets extremely hot like the Southwest, where the temperature often hits well over 100 F on summer days. And as we age, changes to our central nervous system make it more difficult to adjust to fluctuations in body temperature and we have difficulty remaining hydrated.
Be sure to take care of yourself on these hot summer days. Drink plenty of water so that your urine runs clear, and learn these warning signs that the heat may be getting to you.
1. Dizziness
If you’ve been out in the heat and you begin to feel dizzy, weak, confused, and you haven’t urinated much, you could be dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, and if the condition is not recognized and treated, severe dehydration can lead to death. So pay attention to your body.
In addition to being exposed to the heat, you can become dehydrated if you have a fever, diarrhea, or have been vomiting, according to WebMD.com. People with diabetes can be susceptible to dehydration as well.
If you think you’re dehydrated, take sips of water or a sports drink, or suck on ice chips or ice pops made of juice or sports drinks. Take off any excess clothing and get into an air-conditioned space. Seek professional medical help if you have a fever higher than 101 F, have had diarrhea for more than two days, or are confused and weak.
2. Muscle spasms
Is your thigh, leg, or back cramping after you’ve been physically active in the heat? Don’t be too quick to blame it on an aging body; you could be experiencing heat cramps. Older people whose temperature control mechanisms may be impaired also can be susceptible. Of the major heat-related medical conditions that occur, heat cramps are the least serious, but they can be a precursor to the more complicated heat exhaustion or heat stroke, warns MedicineNet.com, so take note.
Help relieve heat cramps by gently stretching the muscle, drinking fluids, and getting to a cool place.
3. Rapid heartbeat
Hot weather can bring about heat exhaustion or worse if we’re not careful. If you’re overheated, you’ve got a rapid heartbeat, and you’re sweating heavily, you might have heat exhaustion.
If that’s the case, rest in a cool place on your back with your legs positioned higher than your heart, MayoClinic.com advises. Drink cool liquids like water and sports drinks. Loosen your clothing and take a cool shower or bath. Get medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve within 60 minutes of treatment.
Among those at risk for heat-related problems are older adults whose bodies’ ability to control temperature may be hindered by illness or medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and tranquilizers.
4. Breathing trouble
If someone is having difficulty breathing, acting severely anxious, sweating profusely or has stopped sweating, she or he could be suffering from heatstroke, the most serious illness related to the heat. This occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and it continues to rise to 105 F or higher, according to WebMD.com. Heatstroke can be life threatening or leave a person with severe complications, such as damage to the brain or other organs, so call for medical help immediately.
While you wait for medical attention, get the person out of the heat and sun, remove unnecessary clothing, and spray or sponge his or her body with cool water. If the person is awake, offer fluids but not aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce the fever. Because of the way the body responds to heatstroke, such medications may complicate the condition.
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