As published in July 15, 2010 Hill Country News Medical Messenger

                  Summer has made its way to central Texas .  Summer brings picnics, various sports and games, trips to the pool, days on the lake and all kinds of other outdoor activities.  Unfortunately, summer time also brings much hotter weather and heat related injuries.

                Heat related injuries cover a spectrum of symptoms that are caused by an elevated ambient temperature.  In its mildest form, people can experience heat cramps from the loss of electrolytes through excess sweating.  Following that, heat exhaustion is manifested by headaches, nausea and overall weakness.  The most severe form, heat stroke shows up as headache, nausea, weakness as well as confusion and sometimes seizures.  

                Officially, heat stroke is defined as a body temperature of greater than 106 degrees F with neurologic dysfunction.  The National Centers for Health Statistics states that there were 7,046 deaths from 1979 – 1997 that were attributed to heat exposure.  That is an average of 371 deaths per year.  The mortality rate can be as high as 80% if therapy is delayed.  Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce that rate to 10%.  The elderly and small children are at a higher risk.

                There are two types of heat stroke, exertional and non-exertional (or classic).  Non-exertional (or classic) heat stroke tends to affect the very old and the very young.  They tend to develop the condition after spending prolonged periods of time in high temperatures, as can occur during the summer, in a home without air-conditioning.  Symptoms associated with classic heat stroke are a high body heat, an absence of sweating and an altered mental status.  Exertional heat stroke can affect even a young, healthy individual.   This form of heat stroke occurs after working or playing hard in the heat.  The symptoms include a high body heat, sweating, and an altered mental status.

                Treatment of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses rapid recognition of the problem and cooling of the affected person.  This can be done by placing them in an air-conditioned area, spraying them down with cool water, or even placing ice around their body.  If symptoms are severe, medical personnel should be called. 

                During the hot summer months, prevention is key to ensuring safe summer fun.  First, slow down in the heat.  Reschedule events to the cooler times of the day.  If you have to be outside during the hottest hours, take frequent breaks and get out of the sun and heat for periods of time.  Drink plenty of water (not alcohol) to stay hydrated.  Also, light loose fitting and lightly colored clothing should be worn. 

                So remember to enjoy yourself this summer, but take some time to protect yourself from the central Texas heat.  If you have questions you wish to discuss with a health professional, call us at 512-336-2777 to setup an appointment.