Thomas J. Sims, MD
Thomas J. Sims, MD
In Part 1 of this article, the dangers of Heat-Related Illnesses were discussed. Now, let’s talk about what type of people are at risk for developing a heat-related illness.
Who Is at Risk for Heat–Related Illness?
Risk for developing a heat-related illness is divided into two types:
Modifiable risks—factors that can be changed such as:
* Lack of heat acclimatization
* Poor physical conditioning
* Being overweight (BMI >25)
* Inadequate rest
* Inadequate hydration
* Limited access to water
* Excessive alcoholic beverage consumption
* Certain medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate heat, including, but not limited to, certain antihistamines; blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, and Eliquis; heart medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, diuretics (water pills), mental health medications such as Lithium and Xanax
Non-modifiable risks—factors that cannot be changed such as:
* Gender (males are more susceptible to heat)
* Cardiovascular disease
* Diabetes
* Genetics (inheritance)
* Lung diseases
* GI disturbances with vomiting and diarrhea
* Burns, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders
* Pregnancy
The Four Types of Heat–Related Illness
Medical practice categorizes heat-related illnesses into four sub-groups:
1. Mild
2. Moderate
3. Heat exhaustion
4. Heat stroke
Let’s start by looking into the symptoms of mild to moderate heat–related illnesses and how they are treated, then cover the last two more serious types in the next installment of this article.
1. Mild Heat-Related Illnesses. Signs and symptoms of mild heat-related illness:
* Body temperature is usually normal (98.6)
Possible symptoms are commonly characterized by:
* Slight swelling (usually in the ankles)
* “Heat rash”—a small pimple-type rash that often occurs on the neck, arms, trunk, and groin
* Muscle cramps, especially when it occurs with exercise
Treatment of Mild Heat-Related Illness includes:
* Removal from the excessive heat source causing the problem
* Hydration with water
* Removal of heat-retaining clothing
* Stretching of cramping muscles
* A reduction in exercise associated with the condition
2. Moderate Heat-Related Illnesses. Signs and symptoms of moderate heat-related illness:
* Body temperature is usually normal at 98.6.
* Symptoms include, but are not limited to, all the symptoms of mild heat-related illness except a heat rash
* Lightheadedness
* Fatigue
* Paleness
* Normal mental status before collapse
* Somnolence to possible collapse
Treatment of moderate heat-related illness includes:
* Removal from the heat-producing source (i.e., seeking shade if outdoors
* Placement in a supine position (lying horizontally with the torso and face looking up) with legs elevated
* Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte solutions, especially before, during, and after exercise
* Removal of heat-retaining clothing
* Application of cooling wet cloths to the face, hair, torso, and extremities
* Cutting back on exercise if symptoms are associated with exercise or exertion
In next month’s issue, I’ll cover heat exhaustion and heat stroke and give advice on how to lower risk and prevent each with a “take home” message.
About the author: Dr. Tom Sims and his wife Pat have been residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch since 2023. Tom retired from Family Medicine to become a full-time writer with his Alaska memoir “On Call in the Arctic” becoming an Amazon #1 Bestseller and currently in Hollywood being considered by Netflix as a series. He has a novel on the way. Tom can be reached through his website ThomasJSims.com.