Seniors: Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion, part 2

Externally, an extreme “heat index” with high relative humidity and/or daily temperature can be an important environmental factor in developing heat exhaustion. When the humidity is too high, the sweat on the skin cannot evaporate into the surrounding air – and the body temperature fails to cool.

Family care staff need to be alert for any/all symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can include profuse sweating, weakness, or light-headedness. Further, a headache, feeling nauseated, and vomiting are symptoms of a problem. The affected individual may have a low grade fever.

Elderly at Risk

The elderly may be at risk because of underlying medical conditions that limit the body’s normal temperature controls. Poor circulation caused by a weakened heart may slow perspiration control. Obesity can overwork the body. Certain medications such as antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and tranquilizers may impair the ability of the body to sweat. Alcohol consumption deprives the body of water.

The human body does have the ability to acclimate to hot weather. However, it can take days to re-establish bodily balance with the environment. If a heat wave comes on suddenly, or if a person travels from a cooler environment to a hot environment, the risk of heat exhaustion increases. Healthy individuals can feel this change when vacationing to a hot climate. It may take 10 days for the body to adapt to hot weather.

It is important to have home care staff be alert to any/all symptoms of heat related illness for seniors. Call us at (781) 249-2724 to discuss home care plans for your aging parents.

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