HealthLine: The Dog Days of Summer

The rise in the thermometer is a welcome sight after months of sunless skies and dreary rain, but too much of a good thing can be a problem too.  Heat stroke occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate its temperature and rises to above 105.1 ͦF brought on by environmental factors independent from secondary causes such as infection.  Heat stroke is often preceded by heat exhaustion with symptoms such as rapid breathing, excessive sweating and a raised pulse.  Heat exhaustion can easily degenerate into heat stroke, which becomes a medical emergency.

The body thermoregulates itself by releasing heat through the skin or sweat. In cases of extreme heat, high humidity or heavy physical exercise in direct sunlight the body becomes unable to lose heat and will overheat.  Dehydration leaves the body with less inherent fluid and retards the person’s ability to sweat, which will raise inherent body temperature.  Causes of dehydration include alcohol, caffeine, stimulants and certain medications.

Those most vulnerable to heat stroke include infants, the elderly, athletes and outdoor workers.  Infants locked in cars will decompensate quickly as inside car temperatures can rise very rapidly on a hot day. Those elderly with heart, lung or kidney disease are most prone to illness, especially those on medications that inhibit their ability to release sweat.  Heat-related illnesses in teens most commonly occur in high school football players during the month of August.

Heat stroke can present similar to a heart attack as heat exhaustion showing signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps and dizziness.  Heat exhaustion, which degenerates to heat stroke, will display an elevated body temperature, lack of sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, seizures or coma.

The cornerstone to treatment is to cool the individual as quickly as possible.  Call 911 immediately and move the person to a shady area, ice them with cool water from a bottle or garden hose and place ice packs in their armpits and groin if available. If they are able to take fluids, have them drink water, but nothing that contains caffeine or alcohol.

The best way to prevent heat stroke is to stay hydrated and avoid heavy exercise in hot or humid weather.  If you must engage in physical activity in hot weather then use water and sports drinks to hydrate -- not alcohol, caffeine-laden soft drinks or tea.  Take frequent breaks, and wear light clothing and hats when possible.  Leave cars locked when not in use and never leave an infant or pet unattended in a car in warm weather.

We’re havin’ a heat wave is a song.  Don’t dance around then fall asleep in the sun!

Dr. Ballard is a Board Certified Internist and Geriatrician with a specialist in Women’s Health.  She practices in Enumclaw, 360-825-1389.  Dr. Ballard’s comments are informational only and not to be construed as medical advice.  Consult your personal physician for any medical issues.