Older adults are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons. Older people usually do not adjust as well as others to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat and they are also more likely to take prescription medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 – 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Heat exhaustion is a milder
form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Some common signs and symptoms of heat stroke are: an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red, hot and dry skin with no sweating, a rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness and
nausea. Some common signs of heat exhaustion are: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, fainting, shallow and quick breathing, cool and moist skin and a fast but weak pulse.
You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:
- Drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Rest and do not engage in any strenuous activities
- Take a cool shower or bath and use cold compresses
- If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Try to remain indoors at peak temperature times during the day
If you see someone exhibiting any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency. Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the affected person.
Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Heat Stress in Older Adults” http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.asp
