2023-09-12 20:16:00
Weakness and confusion are symptoms of heat stroke Getty
MONDAY, September 11, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Hot weather can pose serious health risks for older adults.
Existing medical conditions, mobility problems and medications increase the risk of heat stroke, according to an expert at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Being prepared can help prevent heat stroke and heat stroke.
“As we age, we become less efficient at noticing and adapting to heat,” geriatrics specialist Dr. Juan Cobo said in a center news release. “We sweat less, which slows down our ability to cool down. At the same time, we become less sensitive to thirst. By the time we feel thirsty, we are already dehydrated to some degree.”
Certain conditions and medications increase the risk of overheating. This includes a lack of mobility as it may be difficult for a person to get up and move to a cooler place or drink water.
Heart and vascular diseases make it more difficult to adapt as the temperature rises, according to Rush.
People with diabetes, kidney disease, dementia, and depression may also become dehydrated more easily.
Those who have heart failure should consult their doctor regarding how much they should drink to avoid dehydration without consuming too much water, Cobo advised.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications make it difficult to hydrate. Several can lower blood pressure excessively or contribute to confusion.
When these medications are combined, the effects are multiplied, Cobo said.
“Patients often take blood pressure diuretics, which release fluid, and may take a beta blocker to slow their heart. If they have knee or other joint pain, they may take ibuprofen or another NSAID” (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) , he explained. “Then they go out into their garden on a very hot day, and they don’t realize they are thirsty. Their fluids are depleted and now their sodium, potassium and magnesium levels are not normal. This can lead to confusion, dizziness, dehydration and even kidney damage.”
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, antihistamines and other types of allergy relief, medications to control cholesterol and blood sugar, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and migraines are among those to look out for. attention. Awareness is important, and so is having a plan for hot days. The medical center suggests the following:
. If you live alone, have mobility problems, or take medications that cause heat sensitivity, keep water by your side.
. Do not drink caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic beverages. Set a timer to remind yourself to drink water. Be aware of temperatures inside and outside the home. Keep the house cool, but not too cool. The ideal temperature is between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 20 and 25.5 degrees Celsius). Contact a family member or your city’s hotline if your house is too hot. Stay in touch with family or friends. If you have concerns regarding your medications or how you feel, contact your doctor’s office.
Symptoms of heat stroke are weakness, headache, flushed face, fast heartbeat, dehydration, dark-colored urine or little urine flow, little or no saliva, tiredness, dizziness or lightheadedness, and abdominal cramps.
Someone who overheats indoors should drink water or a sports drink, loosen their clothing, and call a family member or friend. Call your doctor if you have any health concerns.
“If the heatstroke worsens and turns into heat stroke, it’s an emergency,” Cobo said.
Weakness and confusion are symptoms of heat stroke, so it may be up to family and friends to see the signs and react. Move your elderly loved one to a cooler location and make sure they are drinking fluids. You may need immediate or even urgent medical attention, Cobo said.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information regarding heat stress in older adults.
SOURCE: Rush University Medical Center, press release, September 7, 2023.
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