Article Tools

Font size
Share This

First of two parts.

After a long, cold and rainy spring, we're finally experiencing hot summer weather. So, get outdoors and have fun in the sun. But please be mindful of how your body reacts to high humidity and heat, and take appropriate precautions. You don't have to be running a marathon or playing football in full uniform to suffer from heatstroke.

Heatstroke, one of the most serious heat-related illnesses, is the result of long-term exposure to the sun, to the point that you can't sweat enough to lower your body temperature. The elderly and infants are most susceptible, and it can be fatal if not managed properly and immediately.

Believe it or not, the exact cause of heatstroke is unclear. Prevention is the best treatment because it can strike suddenly and without warning. It also can occur in nonathletes at outdoor concerts, outdoor carnivals or backyard activities.

Heat and exercise

Some old-school folks think wearing extra clothing and "breaking a good sweat" is an optimal goal for exercise. But it may be potentially very dangerous in hot and humid conditions.

When exercising in hot weather, the body is under additional stress. As the activity and the hot air increase your core temperature, your body will try to deliver more blood to your skin to cool it down. In doing so, your heart rate is increased and less blood is available for your muscles, which leads to cramping and other more serious problems.

In humid conditions, problems are magnified, as sweat cannot be evaporated from the skin to help cool the body.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine offer the following recommendations, which are appropriate for both the competitive athlete and weekend warrior:

Signs of heatstroke

-âHeat exhaustion can be a precursor to heatstroke. Signs include cramps, weakness, fatigue and nausea. Treatment: rest in shade, cool down with cool (not cold) towels and drink plenty of fluids.

-âCore body temperature above 105 degrees.

-âHot, dry skin - flush but not sweaty.

-âLack of sweating. (But note that athletes often have external heatstroke and can sweat even with an increase in core temperature.)

-âVery rapid pulse.

-âMental confusion, disorientation or hallucinations.

-âClumsiness, sluggishness or fatigue.



Heatstroke treatment

-âCall 911. This could be a life-threatening condition.

-âRelocate to a cool, shady place or air-conditioned room and lie down with slight elevation of the feet.

-âRemove outer garments and roll onto your side to expose as much skin as possible to the air.

-âCool down by spraying or sponging with cool (not cold) water and fan the skin.

-âPlace ice packs on the groin, neck and armpits to cool down large blood vessels. Do not take an ice bath.

-âCore temperature is the only accurate measurement, so medical personnel may take a rectal temperature if necessary. Core temperature must be reduced to 102 degrees as soon as possible.

-âBegin CPR if breathing stops.

-âDo not take aspirin or acetaminophen.

-âAdminister fluids if the victim is alert enough to swallow; give 32 to 64 ounces over one to two hours.
