It’s summer, which means the temperature is on the rise, the beach is where everyone wants to be, and a cold glass of lemonade is exactly what the doctor ordered. However, there are a few risks that come with summer activities, most notably dehydration and heat stroke.
Dehydration
Under normal conditions, we lose body water daily through sweat, tears, etc. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.
Symptoms of dehydration may include thirst, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased heart rate and breathing. In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue, a lack of tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than three hours, sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks, high fever, listlessness, irritability, and skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.
If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician’s guidance. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.
In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration. 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 and drink appropriate sports 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.
The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible. 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 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 and dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, a high body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, and hallucinations.
It is important for a person suffering from heat stroke to be treated immediately as this illness 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. Gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. 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. 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 dehydration. Wear lightweight clothing in light colors. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Increase the time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat. During outdoor activities, mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated. Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
If you think you might be dehydrated or have heat stroke seek medical attention immediately.
