Dangers of summer: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion

A hot summer is always a treat after a long New York winter. However, with the heat comes serious health risks.

The most at risk for heat-related illnesses are infants, young children, and people over 50 years old, especially those with other medical conditions.

Heat stroke, or “sun-stroke,” is when someone’s body has difficulty controlling their temperature. Their body temperature rises rapidly and cannot be recovered from sweating. This is a medical emergency!

Signs of heat stroke include fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; skin that is hot, red, and dry but not sweaty; a rapid and strong pulse; throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and/or unconsciousness

If you think you or a loved one is experiencing heat stroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate help or go to a hospital emergency room. While waiting for an ambulance, move to a shaded area, cool down with a cool cloth, cold shower, spray bottle, or sponge. Apply ice packs to the armpit, groin, neck, and back for quick cooling.

It is important to monitor body temperature and continue cooling down until body temperature decreases to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are concerned and an ambulance has not arrived, you can call the local hospital emergency room for helpful advice.

If untreated, heat stroke can lead to death or serious permanent injury so it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

A milder form of heat-related illness is heat exhaustion. This can occur with prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration.

The people most at risk are the elderly, individuals with high blood pressure, and people working outside in the heat. Signs to look for include extreme sweating, paleness, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting, weak and fast pulse, fast shallow breathing, and/or fainting.

If untreated, this can progress to heat stroke; therefore it is important to seek medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than one hour. Similar precautions should be taken to cool yourself or the person suffering from heat exhaustion, including: drinking cool, nonalcoholic drinks; resting; taking cool showers; sitting in the shade or air-conditioning; and wearing cool clothing.

To avoid all heat-related illnesses (heat muscle cramps, heat rash, heat stroke, etc.), try to keep cool. It is important to drink more fluids than usual.

Eight glasses of water per day is key, but also supplement with drinks with electrolytes and minerals (sport drinks, lemonade, iced tea, fruit or vegetable juice).

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink! Keep hydrated throughout the day all summer long.

Do not sit in a hot car without air-conditioning, even if it is parked in the shade or has windows open. Wear sunscreen (Sun Protection Factor 30 or higher) and appropriate clothing — made of light-colored, breathable, and loose-fitting material.

Also avoid long hours outdoors in the heat. Go outside with a friend, and keep cool indoors with air-conditioning or fans. Be aware, certain medications can also increase your chances of heat-related illnesses.

For any more questions or concerns, contact your doctor and remember to be safe while enjoying this beautiful warm weather!

Editor’s note: Meghan Goddard, a Community Caregivers’ intern, is slated to graduate from Albany Medical College in 2024.

Community Caregivers is a not-for-profit agency supported by community donations, and grants from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Department of Health and Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging.