SUMMER took a while to arrive this year, but we know there are still plenty more hot days to come over the next couple of months.
In Australia, every year hot weather causes illness, hospitalisation and sometimes even death.
It is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illness in order to recognise and treat yourself or an affected person in a timely manner.
Heat can affect the body in a number of ways. It is important that’s a person’s body temperature remains in the range of 36.1 to 37.8 degrees.
If body temperature rises above this, a person may develop heat related illness as the body has to work extra hard and produce more sweat to keep itself cool when the weather is hot.
Everyone is at risk of health related illness, those at greatest risk include older people, infants and young children.
Heat-related illnesses includes dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of existing medical conditions. If you have a existing condition such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease or if you take certain medications, heat can only make your symptoms worse.
The emergency department at Swan Hill District Health sees a number of heat-related illness presentations throughout summer, so they have provided some information in regards to signs, symptoms and first aid tips, allowing you to prevent a trip to ED but also preparing you with what to do should you happen to find yourself or someone else experiencing any of the following.
HEAT HEALTH TIPS
Dehydration
Dehydration is a dangerous loss of body fluid caused by illness, sweating or inadequate intake.
Symptoms can include:
• Dizziness and tiredness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Bright or dark yellow urine
• Loss of appetite
• Fainting
First aid:
• Drink plenty of water and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
• Move somewhere cool and rest
• If possible spray yourself with water
• If you don’t begin to feel better seek medical advice
Heat cramps
Heat cramps often affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity (for example, sport or gardening). The sweating causes the body to lose both salt and water. Low salt levels in the muscles can be the cause of heat cramps and they can also be the symptom of heat exhaustion.
Symptoms can include:
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
First aid:
• Stop all activity and lie down in a cool space with legs slightly raised
• Drink water
• Have a cool bath or shower
• Massage limbs to ease spasms or cramps – apply cool packs to affected area if possible
• Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after cramps subside
• Seek medical advice if there is no improvement
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. If heat exhaustion is left untreated it can quickly turn into heat stroke.
Symptoms can include:
• Pale skin
• Fast and weak pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Tiredness and dizziness
First aid:
• Rest in a cool place
• Cool yourself down by removing excess clothing, taking a cool bath or shower, place cool packs under arms, groin area or neck
• Rehydrate with cool water or rehydration drinks if available
• Have a cool bath or shower
The best thing you can do to stay safe in the heat this summer is:
• Drink plenty of water
• Never leave anyone in a car – hot cars kill
• Stay where it is cool
• Plan ahead – plan outings for cooler parts of the day
• Check in on others
