Tips to Beat the South Texas Sizzle
By Dr. Andrew Muck, Regional ER Medical Director for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System
There is no cool way to sugarcoat the sizzle of the south Texas summer sun! If you plan on spending some time outside in the extreme heat, it is important to prepare and know what to do to keep from suffering from heat-related illness.
Heat cramps are the mildest form of illness; caused by fluid and electrolyte loss. Sweating causes a loss of body salts, which can lead to cramping. These are usually in the form of muscle spasms or pain in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Heat cramps can be the first sign of a more serious condition.
Excessive sweating can also lead to the most common type of heat-related illness: heat exhaustion. It usually happens after sweating out a lot of water and salt. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, a faster heartbeat, and sometimes cool, clammy skin.
Be smart about spending time outdoors! Find a cool spot in the shade, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, take breaks and avoid extreme physical activity when it is over 90 degrees outside. Elderly patients, those with diabetes, and those on blood pressure and other medications should talk to their primary care physician about necessary precautions when it is dangerously hot outside. Some medications change the body’s ability to handle hot temperatures, putting them at an increased risk for heat injuries.
Some heat injuries can appear milder than they actually are, especially if an organ like your kidney is involved and not functioning properly. If symptoms like heavy sweating, cramps, headache, dizziness, or nausea occur, act fast. Find the shade or air conditioning and try to normalize the body’s core temperature with cold water on the face and head, a cool shower or bath, or ice packs on the neck and under the arms.
Knowing how to respond can help prevent heat stroke, which is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer regulate its core temperature. Someone experiencing heat stroke can seem confused, can lose consciousness, and even experience hallucinations. Their body stops sweating, and they may feel chills, use slurred speech or have seizures.
Here is a list of warning signs to note as recommended by the CDC;
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
When these symptoms present, it is vital to get to an ER immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated quickly.
You can still enjoy the outdoors this summer. Just plan ahead and be smart to beat the heat.
For more information, visit christushealth.org/locations/santa-rosa-hospital-alamo-heights
