Jul. 1--When temperatures rise, most people figure while they might be a bit more uncomfortable, they can handle the heat.

A lot of times, they're wrong.

Greg Kingston, a nurse practitioner in the Lourdes hospital emergency room, said he's treated several people for heat-related illnesses this summer: a group of young campers, workers who spent too much time in the sun and elderly folks who found out the hard way they couldn't handle the heat.

"We always say if you don't have to be out in heat, don't be," Kingston said. "If you do, try to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids, and if you do start having symptoms, get somewhere where it's cool.

"People don't always heed the warning, and when they don't, that's usually when we see them."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of Americans die each year from heat-related causes, with the number rising and falling depending on the severity of the summer. At the height of summer, Kingston said heat-related problems are among the most common causes of ER visits.

Dr. Blake Leslie, a family physician at Western Baptist Hospital, said summer heat can be particularly tough on people who suffer with breathing problems, and can even expose unknown underlying conditions.

"The problem is really the humidity," Leslie said. "The high humidity increases mold, increases dust mites and other allergens, and combined with the general heat-related issues, that can exacerbate or even bring on a new lung issue."

The high humidity also makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating, increasing the need to breathe in fresh air. That extra stress on an already flawed system can cause airway spasms, he said; "The conditions then tends to spiral down quickly and people start to feel very poorly."

The most important treatment, both agree, is prevention. Most crucial is keeping hydrated, drinking water or, Kingston suggested, electrolyte heavy beverages such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Try to limit exposure to the heat, either staying inside, venturing out only in the morning and evening, or if you must be outside during the middle of the day, frequently seeking shade or air conditioning.

Leslie said he recommends to patients with chronic conditions that they keep their relief medications close at all times.

"It's more important during the summer, because we worry more now with the humidity so high," he said.

Contact C.D. Bradley, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8617.

How to beat the heat

Following these precautions can make the difference between just being hot or being seriously ill:

--Stay cool indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library.

--Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Rest periodically so your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.

--Drink plenty of fluid. Increase your normal fluid intake regardless of your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

--Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

--Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.

--Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age; people 65 or older; people who are overweight; people who overexert during work or exercise; and people who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure or diuretics.

Source: Kentucky Department of Public Health

<< -- 07/02/2009>>

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