Coping with the heat

Suzanne walks into her house after a long day of work. She feels exhausted, light-headed and has the beginnings of a headache. Suzanne's job entails travelling around the city. Is Suzanne suffering from heat exhaustion?

Summer is here in earnest, with blazing heat and its accompanying medical problems. Hot weather and high humidity can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Children and older people particularly are prone to heat exhaustion and it is essential to make them drink enough fluids.

Our bodies need to be kept at a normal, constant temperature of approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) to help protect our brain and internal organs. As the external temperature rises, our sweat glands start pouring out sweat. As our sweat evaporates, it helps to cool us down. However, high humidity can interfere with the evaporation process and, as a result, our body temperature remains elevated.

Heat exhaustion

When exposed relentlessly to heat, and without adequate replacement of body fluids lost due to sweating, a person can become overheated and dehydrated. As the body temperature rises, the blood vessels under the skin dilate. The skin becomes flushed and feels hot. There is pooling of blood in the lower limbs and when the person stands up from a seated position, she might feel light headed and might faint. 

Heat stroke

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which occurs when the body’s temperature rises to dangerous levels (more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit).

Older adults are at high risk for heat stroke due to the decreased thirst mechanisms that occur with age. They tend to become dehydrated much faster. It is advisable for older adults to remain indoors on very hot days, as well as during the times of day when the heat is at its peak (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).

If you absolutely must go out into the heat, make sure that you drink at least 1 to 2 glasses of water before you leave home. Be sure to carry water with you. Buttermilk with salt or lime juice with salt will ensure that you replace the salt that you lose from sweating. Avoid hot drinks like coffee and tea because the caffeine can make your heart race and worsen the problem. Soft drinks can aggravate the dehydration because of the amount of sugar they have.

Wearing a hat or visor will help block the sun from your face and may also help prevent headaches due to the heat. An umbrella is a good idea if you will be in the sun for long periods of time.