Heat-Related Illnesses Take the Fun Out of Sun

Using sunscreen, drinking water, covering up are just what the doctor orders.

Saturday, July 7, 2007; 12:00 AM

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SATURDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- As summer heats up, a health expert warns of the rising risk for serious heat-related illnesses.

When temperatures rise, emergency rooms see an inevitable surge of heat-related illnesses, which can be serious and even life-threatening. Fortunately, most heat-related illnesses can be prevented, according to Dr. Richard Zane, vice chairman of the department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston.

In a prepared statement, Zane offered the following tips for staying safe in scorching temperatures:

• Drink plenty of water in frequent, small amounts (8-ounce glasses). Remember that you will not feel thirsty until your body is already low on fluids.
• Avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar, since they can dehydrate you.
• Wear clothing that is loose, lightweight and light-colored; put on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and wear a hat or shade yourself with an umbrella when possible.
• Do not take salt tablets, since they do not replace water loss and can adversely affect your health.
• Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and try to limit strenuous activities and exercise to morning and evening hours.
• Check on people who are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, including children, senior citizens and people who are mentally or physically ill (especially those who are obese, or have heart disease or high blood pressure).

Know the warning signs of heat-related illness and quickly seek medical care for any significant illness, Zane said. Some heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat rash (prickly heat): an uncomfortable, itchy red or pink rash that results from blocked or swollen sweat ducts.
• Heat edema: swelling of hands and feet caused by dilated blood vessels.
• Heat cramps: Symptoms of heat cramps may include muscle spasms; tender, hard or lumpy muscles; nausea and vomiting and/or weakness and fatigue.
• Heat syncope (fainting): Fainting can occur from exertion in a hot environment; pale, cool and moist skin and a feeling of lightheadedness can be a sign of impending heat syncope.
• Heat exhaustion: This illness may lead to heat stroke, so if you or someone else is experiencing heavy sweating; cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; headache; dizziness or weakness and nausea, seek medical attention and monitor the condition closely.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care, so seek help immediately for a high body temperature; flushed hot, dry skin with no sweating; vomiting; a weak, rapid pulse; decreased alertness; changes in consciousness; disorientation; confusion; impaired thinking and shallow, rapid breathing.

More information

The National Athletic Trainers Association has more about heat illness.