Basic Guide to Senior Heat Exhaustion & Sun Stroke

By Anna Hazard

Introduction

As temperatures rise ever higher, so do the dangers inherent to your elderly relatives, neighbors, and loved ones. Those over the age of 50 (especially those who live in non-air conditioned homes lacking in air flow) are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion or stroke due to a myriad of factors.

As we age, our bodies become slower to adjust or otherwise compensate for changes in ambient temperatures. The kidneys become less effective and body water content decreases leading to greater vulnerability to dehydration as well. Seniors are also more likely to have underlying health issues that may complicate or increase the chances of a heat related illness. Such medical conditions include chronic heart/lung/kidney disease, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and epilepsy.

Medications and dietary restrictions for other unrelated illnesses (such as heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors, antidepressants/antipsychotics, sedatives/tranquilizers, diuretics, anticonvulsants & antihistamines)  can also have additional side effects that make one more sensitive to direct light & temperatures as well as causing dehydration.

The elderly may also be less likely to notice the telltale symptoms of encroaching heat exhaustion within their own bodies (such not feeling thirsty even when one's body is low on fluids). These aspects combine to cause a total of 40% of all heat related deaths within the USA being for people age 65 and above.

The probability of heat related illnesses spikes when the heat index (which measures air temperature versus ambient humidity) exceeds 90 degrees. Keep in mind that exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees. During these times, the two most common heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat/sun stroke.

Signs & Symptoms

Heat Exhaustion

• A milder form of heat related illness that occurs from overexposure to high temperatures. Can progress to the more serious form of heat stroke without intervention.
• Symptoms include weakness, confusion, dark urine, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, muscle spasms or cramps, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, paleness, excessive sweating & thirst, rapid pulse/heartbeat & breathing
• There are 2 basic variations causes by lack of liquids & lack of salt
  • Water Depletion/Dehydration - Symptoms include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, fainting
  • Salt & Mineral Depletion - Symptoms include nausea/vomiting, muscle spasms, dizziness. This is caused by the loss of bodily minerals through sweating.

Heat Stroke / Sun Stroke

• Acute & most serious condition of heat illness where the body's temperature regulation system shuts down due to prolonged overexposure to high temperature. Bodily temperatures rise rapidly as the body loses its ability to sweat & cool down. Considered a medical emergency as it can damage the brain & other internal organs.
• Often progresses from the milder conditions of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat syncope/fainting.
• Symptoms include body temperature over 105 degrees, nausea/vomiting, faintness, seizures, confusion, headache, lack of sweating, muscle weakness or cramps, rapid heartbeat & shallow breathing, red hot skin, and loss of consciousness

Beating the Heat Tips

While targeted towards the elderly, these tips on beating the heat are applicable to all and can be used by the young and old alike. In particular those under the age of 5 have many of the same vulnerabilities of those over 65+ due to their still developing regulatory systems.

• Keep an eye on the current heat index and check on seniors at least twice a day for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Wear loose, lightweight, and pale colored clothing (that will reflect light from the sun instead of absorbing it and allows maximum air circulation for evaporation through sweating)
  

• Wear sunscreen of SPF 30+ (reapplied at least every two hours while remaining in the sun) and light-colored hats with wide brims or carry sun parasols while outside. Keep in mind that the presence of sunburn reduces the body's ability to release heat & makes one more vulnerable to developing a heat related illnesses
  

• Drink plenty of liquids even when not noticeably thirsty. The best liquid would be  water mixed with electrolytes (fruit juices, sports drinks, fitness water, brewed non-caffeinated teas) which will also  help avoid mineral related heat illnesses. Avoid caffeine & alcohol which causes further dehydration. Keep an eye on those with dementia, Alzheimer's or other cognitive illnesses who may forget or otherwise refuse to drink.
  

• Stay indoors & rest in a cool place out of the sun with adequate air flow during the height of heat (10am - 6PM). Curtains & blinds should be drawn during the day to help block out some of the mid-day light & heat and the interiors of un-airconditioned cars should be avoided.
  

• Refrain from exercise or strenuous activity while outside. If this is unavoidable, start the activity slowly and gradually increase the pace with frequent breaks (immediately stopping and seeking shelter if one starts to exhibit any heat related symptoms)
  

• If a senior's home is lacking in air conditioning then consider sending them to the library, mall, movie theatre or air conditioned cooling centers set up by many cities for the general public during heat waves.
  

• Other methods for cooling off include taking cold showers, using cooling blankets & towels, or applying carefully wrapped ice packs (so as not to accidentally cause frost bite) to the wrists, back of the neck, inside of the elbow, knee, or ankle, inner thighs, or against the temples.