Thomas J. Sims, MD
In parts 1 and 2 of this article I discussed the dangers of heat-related illnesses and focused on two types: mild to moderate. Now, let’s look at the third and fourth types, which can be life-threatening—heat exhaustion and heat stroke—which you might be more susceptible to if you’ve had a heat-related illness before.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke that can quickly develop if its signs and symptoms are not promptly recognized and managed.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:
* Body temperature is elevated between 100.4 F and 104 F
* All the symptoms of lesser types of heat-related illnesses
* Moderate to severe muscle cramps with weakness and fatigue
* Headache with dizziness and lightheadedness
* Shortness of breath
* Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
* Moist red skin
* Nausea and vomiting
* Cold and clammy feeling
* Cola-colored urine that looks like blood
Treatment of heat exhaustion includes:
* Cessation of exercise
* Rapid removal from heat and removal of heat-retaining clothing
* Placement in a supine position (lying horizontally with the torso and face looking up) with legs elevated
* Vigorous oral and/or intravenous fluid replacement
* ER visit with hospitalization if not quickly resolved
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is life-threatening. It usually requires hospitalization because it often leads to multi-organ failure even after successful management at home.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include, but are not limited to:
* Body temperature up to or over 104 F
* Profound weakness
* Fatigue
* Hot, dry skin
* Headache
* Trouble breathing
* Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
* Low (dropping) blood pressure
Treatment of heat stroke includes:
* Placement in a supine position
* Immediate removal from heat and removal of heat-retaining clothing
* Rapid oral hydration in the field if the person is able to swallow water without choking
* Hospitalization with cooling blankets, IV fluids, cardiac monitoring, and support
What’s the take-home message in all this? Heat-related illnesses are largely preventable. Remember, a heat-related illness can sneak up on you, so be prepared.
* Acclimatize yourself to a hot climate—especially if you are a snowbird.
* Avoid outdoor physical activity in extreme temperatures. Use our gym instead.
* Be aware of the daytime temperature when golfing, playing tennis, or pickleball.
* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when outside and use a lightweight large-brimmed hat.
* Carry water to drink when outdoors.
* Consume ¾ quart/hour when temperatures are between 88 F and 90 F.
* Consume 1 quart/hour when temperatures are greater than 90 F.
* Rest (in the shade) if exercising and/or hiking outdoors.
* Seek professional help if in doubt.
Don’t let what happened to me happen to you. Don’t become another Arizona statistic. Be aware, dress appropriately, carry and drink water when outside, and seek shade whenever you feel any symptoms of heat-related illness. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, seek medical attention. And, of course, follow advice and recommendations your personal doctor provides.
About the author: Dr. Tom Sims and his wife Pat have been residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch since 2023. Tom retired from Family Medicine to write full-time. His memoir On Call in the Arctic—available everywhere fine books are sold and from the author via his website—was an Amazon #1 Bestseller and received a silver medal in the prestigious Nautilus Book Awards. The memoir, about his life and work as a bush doctor in the wilds of the Alaskan frontier, is 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.