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This Summer Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke

This Summer Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke
By Leslee Jaquette
These really hot days of 90-plus degrees F temperatures remind me that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous realities. They are especially dangerous to those who are more vulnerable to heat such as infants, children and the elderly. Also, those who are in poor condition or recovering from an injury are more susceptible.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is marked by the inability to continue exercise due to an elevated core temperature (but usually under 104 degrees F). It occurs when the blood volume is inadequate to meet the demands for increased flow to the skin and working muscles.
Signs and symptoms  include fatigue, general weakness, uncoordinated movement, lightheadedness, dizziness and headache. Dehydration (either fluid or salt) can in crease the risk of heat exhaustion. Salt depletion results in a loss of extracellular fluid, plasma volume, cardiac output and blood pressure. A person experiencing salt depletion may not feel thirsty. Water depletion is more common and easier to treat because thirst is more common and easier to treat because thirst is the first symptom.
The treatment for heat exhaustion includes moving the exerciser to a cool, well-ventilated area, rehydration and having the person lie stil and cool down while monitoring vital signs. It may be necessary to call the Emergency Medical System if your individual is vomiting , as he or she will need intravenous fluids to rehydrate.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening failure of the body’s cooling mechanisms. The victim’s core body temperature reaches 105 degreesF or greater. This can happen suddenly after heat exhaustion. Heat stroke can happen even cool to moderate outdoor temperatures.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a change in mental status, such as irritability and aggressiveness, which may progress to apathy, confusion, unresponsiveness or even coma. An assessment of vital signs will indicate that the blood pressure is very low and pulse is rapid and strong. IN some cases sweating may stiop. Heat stroke is dangerous because all the major organs and body systems can be affected.
To care for a victim of heat stroke, call EMS if the person displays any abnormal signs such as those listed above including inability to sweat, shallow breathing, seizures or unresponsiveness. Cool the victim immediately – do not wait for EMS to arrive. Get the person into a shady area, remove any tight or restrictive clothing and apply ice packs to the high blood flow areas such as the armpits, groin, neck or submerge the victim in a tub of ice water. If the person can swallow, it is safe to give them a drink of cool liquids but not if the person is vomiting, confused or has had a seizure.
Monitor the airway, breathing, and cardio and core temperature. Once the person’s behavior is back to normal, stop the cooling so hypothermia does not develop.

For more information: www.lifescript.com/Health‎