Eight signs of heatstroke

Hot enough for you?

After the tragic news of a Rathdrum toddler who died in a hot car, a reminder of the dangers of heat-related illness wouldn’t go amiss.

When temperatures get this high, even adults at the peak of physical health are susceptible to heatstroke. It can happen faster than you think, especially without adequate hydration.

Sorry, but beer and margaritas don’t count.

So if you’re planning some sun and fun, and especially if you’re working or sporting out there, please be careful.

According to Mayo Clinic, the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, heatstroke (a.k.a. sunstroke) and its predecessor, heat exhaustion, can result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — with or without physical activity. It can even happen at temperatures in the low 80s, varying by individual and activity level. If left untreated, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

Contributors to heat-related illness include:

The wrong clothes (just don’t skip the hat). Too much or too thick clothing may prevent sweat from evaporating easily and cooling the body. That needn’t mean a sunburn; protect skin from sun damage with thin, breathable, light-colored fabrics.

Drinking alcohol. Any alcohol reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Dehydration. The body needs to maintain enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweat, so drinking water or electrolyte drinks while outdoors and after activities is important.

Symptoms of heat-related illness, which includes heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps, include:

1) Inner body temperature — not outdoor temperature — of 103 or higher. That can happen even when it’s only 80 and sunny outside. Most people don’t carry a thermometer, so look for skin signs in item 3.

2) Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, delirium, seizures or fainting

3) Skin is flushed or red, hot or dry to the touch (non-exertional heatstroke) or clammy (exertional, i.e., during physical activity)

4) Nausea or vomiting

5) Pulse too fast or too slow; possible fainting

6) Headache

7) Muscle cramps or unusual fatigue

8) Excessive sweating

Anyone can develop heatstroke, but the central nervous systems of young children and seniors are more vulnerable to temperature changes. Exertion also increases risk; people playing sports or in military training are commonly among summer heatstroke sufferers.

Other risk factors include a lack of air conditioning (fans feel good but are less effective) and certain medications such as vasoconstrictors, beta-blockers, diuretics and antidepressants. People who are obese or sedentary are also more susceptible.

If heatstroke is suspected, get immediate medical help. Meanwhile, move the overheated person indoors, remove excess clothing, give them water, and cool with whatever means available — a tub, shower or garden hose with cool water, or cold packs and wet towels on the head, neck, armpits and groin area.

For more information, search heat-related illness at Mayoclinic.com and CDC.gov.

• • •

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network dreaming of October. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.