Health
The
Heat Is On!
The
Danger of Dehydration and Heat Stroke:
Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related
diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What
is dehydration?
Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well
as being a dangerous side-effect of diarrhoea, vomiting and
fever. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly
susceptible to dehydration.
What
causes dehydration?
Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through
sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water
is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain
water. When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhoea,
or vomiting or if an individual is overexposed to the sun,
dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water
content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium,
calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.
Occasionally,
dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics, which
deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause,
dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.
What
are the symptoms of dehydration?
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration,
although each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
*thirst
*less-frequent urination
*dry skin
*fatigue
*light-headedness
*dizziness
*confusion
*dry mouth and mucous membranes
*increased heart rate and breathing
In children,
additional symptoms may include:
*dry mouth and tongue
*no tears when crying
*no wet diapers for more than 3 hours
*sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
*high fever
*listlessness
*irritability
*skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
Treatment
for dehydration:
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.
For moderate
dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although
if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective.
Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical
emergency, and hospitalisation, along with intravenous fluids,
is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.
How
can dehydration be prevented?
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of
dehydration, including:
*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.
*Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte
balance.
What is
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 to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops
rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.
What
causes heat stroke?
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.
What
are the symptoms of 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, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
*a high body temperature
*loss of consciousness
*rapid heart beat
*hallucinations
How
is heat stroke treated?
It is important for the person to be treated immediately as
heat stroke 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.
*Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed
by fanning to stimulate sweating.
*Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
*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.
How
can heat stroke be prevented?
There are precautions that can help protect you against the
adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:
*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, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in
light colors.
*Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of
the day.
*Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses
and using an umbrella.
*Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used
to the heat.
*During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and
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
live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to
your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect
yourself against heat stroke.
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(R) thedailystar.net 2005
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