Common Heat-Related Illnesses You Should Know
People aged 65 years or older are more prone to health problems related to heat. Their natural cooling mechanism is less efficient, and they take medications that affect the heat-regulation of their body. The risk of heat-related illnesses increases if an older adult has a chronic illness, lives in hot climates, overdresses, takes medication that reduces sweating, dehydration, lack of airflow, and a salt-restricted diet. Moreover, older adults have slower physiological responses, which means that their bodies cannot recognize overheating or do not signal thirst quickly.
Heat-Related Illnesses
According to Harvard Health, the four common heat-related illnesses are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Excessive heat can lead from moderate discomfort to severe, which may even be life-threatening.
1. Heat rash
Heat rash is caused by heavy sweating, which results in red clusters of small blisters similar to pimples. Your skin will feel a tingling pain or may feel itchy. Heat rash is often found on the chest, neck, groin, or skin creases. If you have a heat rash, stay in cool areas, keep the infected area dry, and use powder to soothe the rash.
2. Heat cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms in your arms, stomach, or legs after intense exercise. If you experience this, stop the physical activity you are doing and rest. Drink fluids such as water and sports drinks, but not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. If the spasms remain in the same condition within 15 minutes or do not go away within an hour, it is recommended to get medical help immediately. Get medical care if you also have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet.
3. Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition where your body cannot keep itself cool. This happens due to inadequate fluid intake and exposure to high temperatures. Its symptoms are weakness, dizziness, pale and clammy skin, sweating, headache, and vomiting. Rest in a cool place and drink fluids. Be cautious of what you feel and get medical care if it worsens or persists for over an hour.
4. Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness, where the temperature of the body rises above 104°F. It is a medical emergency and can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs of the body. The signs of heat stroke are nausea, headache, dizziness, hot and dry skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately and move them to a cooler area, but remember to not give them fluids to drink.
Staying Safe in Hot Weather
The following are some tips for staying safe in hot weather:
Stay in air-conditioned buildings such as a shopping mall, public library, or senior center. You can also use fans, but they will not prevent heat-related illnesses if the temperature is in the high 90s.
Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to keep cool.
Avoid doing strenuous activities and get plenty of rest. If possible, shower or bathe frequently to keep yourself cool.
Protect your skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
Drink water and do not wait until you’re thirsty. If your doctor limits your fluid intake, ask them how much water you need to drink during hot weather.
Use a buddy system during hot weatherwhere you check in on a friend and they do the same for you.
Caretaker/Caregiver Preparedness
In an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the caretaker of an older adult should ask four important questions:
Are they drinking enough water?
Do they have access to air conditioning?
Do they know how to keep cool?
Do they show signs of heat stress?
It is important to keep a close eye on them and to stay informed. Be informed by constantly checking the news for health and safety updates. If you know someone who shows symptoms of heat-related illnesses, seek medical care immediately.
Aside from this, you can be extra prepared by checking your local heat risk and air quality. The CDC HeatRisk Dashboard allows you to do this by entering your zip code.
To know more about older adult health and preparedness, you can check Ca Care Association’s news and resources.
