HEAT EXHAUSTION/ STROKE --- Symptoms/Treatment

[fed-up]

take care in the heat DUers

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-exhaustion/DS01046

Heat exhaustion

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice
Complications
Treatments and drugs
Prevention

Definition
Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It's one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.




http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/FA00020

Heat exhaustion: First aid
Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration and inadequate fluid intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include:

Feeling faint or dizzy
Nausea
Heavy sweating
Rapid, weak heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Cool, moist, pale skin
Low-grade fever
Heat cramps
Headache
Fatigue
Dark-colored urine
If you suspect heat exhaustion:

Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.
Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
Have the person drink cool water.
Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning.
Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.
If fever greater than 102 F (38.9 C), fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.



http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heatstroke/FA00019


Heatstroke: First aid
Heatstroke is the most severe of the heat-related problems, often resulting from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake.

Young children, older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.

What makes heatstroke severe and potentially life-threatening is that the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, are lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature — generally greater than 104 F (40 C) — with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. Skin may be hot and dry — although if heatstroke is caused by exertion, the skin may be moist.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

Rapid heartbeat
Rapid and shallow breathing
Elevated or lowered blood pressure
Cessation of sweating
Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headache
Nausea
Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults
If you suspect heatstroke:

Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space.
Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.
Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper.
Have the person drink cool water, if he or she is able.

[barbtries]

1. thank you

this is my first summer in NC, and i am middle aged and overweight with high blood pressure controlled by medication. i don't wanna die from the heat no matter how many times i may complain that it's killing me!

[fed-up]

2. copy or bookmark the info and share w/family/friends NC is very humid ugh nt

[silverojo]

3. Living in AZ taught me a lot

On the news, they gave us a lot of information, to help newcomers adjust. Some of the info that isn't normally mentioned on the web....

* Drink enough water so that your urine is light-colored. If it's dark, you're dehydrating without realizing it.

* If your diet permits, potato chips are a good way to keep up your levels of sodium and potassium. The urination from drinking water tends to strip both these minerals from your body.

* Drinks like Gatorade are only good to a point; you must EAT as well as drink, because urination and perspiration cause you to lose nutrients. Plus, the stress on your body causes additional nutrient loss. Fruits, potatoes, anything that's rich in vitamins and minerals (esp. potassium) are great. And, yes, you also need sodium, if you're sweating heavily.

* DO NOT drink alcohol or soda pop. Both accelerate the dehydration process. Water, fruit juice, or Gatorade are better choices.

* DO NOT overexert yourself!

* Stay in the shade--or preferably indoors where there is air conditioning.

* Water applied externally helps cool you down. Get a cheap empty spray bottle at the drug store, and fill it with water. Spritz it on your face and other exposed skin.


I've experienced early dehydration symptoms like cramps...in my stomach! I thought I was getting my period, but the cramps kept getting worse despite taking Pamprin. I was drinking more than enough, but learned the hard way that day, that one must eat, as well. A cramp anywhere in your body could be a sign that you need to replace minerals.

Water is the key to surviving heat; keep it inside your body and on your skin, and you'll be much more comfortable. Remember...drink until your urine turns light!