BY DR. LAUREN NESBIT, ST. LUKE’S RESIDENT PHYSICIAN
While the end of summer is near, there is still some danger in the hot days ahead. There are some heat-related illnesses to watch out for while enjoying the local fairs and activities on the water. Each of these can be prevented with the right planning for those fun summer days.
The mildest form of heat illness is heat cramps. These are muscle cramps and spasms due to dehydration after activities in hot temperatures. Football players have recently gained some notoriety from drinking pickle juice to help with heat cramps. Painful leg cramps are the most common symptom. While you don’t need to drink pickle juice, staying hydrated and having enough electrolytes helps with heat cramps. The treatment is rest, rehydration and staying in a cool place. If experiencing muscle cramping, stretch them slowly.
The next most intense form of heat illness is heat exhaustion. This is more severe than heat cramps and occurs in more extreme heat when there is more excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement. This can be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and headache. The treatment for this is to rest in a cool place. Adequate rehydration with fluids containing electrolytes is important. Also removing clothing and placing cool rags on the skin can help as well.
The most severe form of heat illness is heat stroke. The happens when the body is no longer able to cool itself properly. Symptoms include high fever, racing heart, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, confusion, agitation and lethargy. People can also develop seizures, fall into a coma, or even die. This is life threatening and needs immediate medical attention. While going to the nearest emergency department or calling 911, move to a cool place. Also remove clothing and apply cool rags. If able, place ice bags in the groin and arm pits to cool the body quickly. If the person is able and alert, they can be offered fluids with electrolytes. If a person is not alert or able to swallow safely, they should not be offered fluids due to the risk of choking.
Idaho summers can be amazing and give you memories that last a lifetime. Avoid being outside when the temperatures are at the hottest part of the day. Plan for outside activities in the cooler mornings. Bring along plenty of fluids to help stay hydrated. Educate yourself and your friends about the dangers of heart-related illness. Be safe while enjoying the tail end of summer and avoid getting a heat-related illness. Stay cool and hydrated while enjoying everything Idaho has to offer!
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