Dr Johannes Marisa
We are already in summer where temperatures have just ballooned to unbearable levels. So many places, especially those in lower altitude areas experience catastrophic temperatures that can be grossly harmful to our bodies. While very few people pay little attention to heat exhaustion, I feel it is important to know something about this condition.
Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating, fainting or a rapid pulse as a result of your body overheating. It is one of the three heat-related syndromes with heart cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time and prolonged periods of exercise may worsen the situation. Possible signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
lFatigue
lFaintness
lHeavy sweating
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
lWeak rapid pulse
lLow blood pressure upon standing
lCool moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
lMuscle cramps
lHeadache
Causes of heat exhaustion
lIn hot weather, your body cools itself mainly by sweating. The evaporation of your sweat regulates your body temperature. However, when you exercise strenuously in hot, humid weather, your body is less able to cool itself efficiently. It is important to observe this, especially now when it is very hot though not humid.
lDehydration: Your body’s ability to sweat is reduced, therefore, normal temperature maintenance is difficult. Make sure conditions like vomiting and diarrhoea which result in dehydration, are contained.
lAlcohol use: Alcohol can affect your body’s ability to regulate your temperature hence can result in overheating.
lOverdressing: Be careful about clothes that fit tightly and not allow sweat to evaporate easily.
Risk factors
Although anyone can develop heat exhaustion, there are certain factors that increase your sensitivity to heat. These include:
lYoung age or old age: Infants or children younger than four years and adults older than 65 are at higher risk of heat exhaustion
lCertain drugs: Medications that affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond appropriately to heat include some drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure like diuretics for example Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), those that reduce allergy symptoms for example Chlopheniramine and Cetrizine, among others.
lObesity: Carrying excess weight can affect your body’s ability to regulate its temperature and cause your body to retain more heat
lSudden temperature changes: If you are not used to high temperatures, you are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Be careful with the prevailing temperatures.
Prevention of heat exhaustion
You can take a number of precautions in a bid to prevent heat exhaustion. When temperatures go up like what is happening at the moment, remember to:
lDrink plenty of fluids: This allows yourself to be kept hydrated. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
lNever leave anyone in a closed, parked car: This is very bad and is one of the commonest causes of heat-related deaths in children.
lWear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing: Wearing excessive clothing or clothing that fits tightly does not allow your body to cool properly.
lTake extra cautions with certain drugs: Drugs like HCT, Furosemide, Chlorthalidone and Spironolactone reduce your water in your body, hence affect your cooling.
lAvoid vigorous activity during hot weather: Avoiding heavy activity during hot weather is important. If you cannot avoid such vigorous activities, then drink lots of fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot.
Diagnosis
If you need medical attention due to heat exhaustion, then you need to make sure that the exhaustion may not have progressed to heat stroke. Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a type of severe illness that results in a body temperature greater than 40°C and confusion. Other symptoms include red skin, headache and dizziness. Heat stroke can cause shock, organ failure or brain damage hence it is a medical emergency. Additional tests include:
lUrea and Electrolytes: A blood test to check for low sodium and potassium and the content of gases in your blood.
lA urine test to check the concentration and composition of your urine and to check your kidney function, which may be affected by heatstroke.
lMuscle function tests to check for rhabdomyolysis, serious damage to your muscle tissue.
With these high temperatures, let us be careful to cool our bodies, lest heat exhaustion or heat stroke can strike us. Visit your doctor if you suspect anything amiss from the symptoms you exhibit!
Till we meet again next week!
lDr Johannes Marisa is a private practitioner who can be reached on [email protected] or visit our website www.westview24hrclinics.com
