Heat Exposure and Reactions

When to Call for Heat Exposure and Reactions

Care Advice for Heat Exposure

1. Drink Lots of Fluids:
   • All the symptoms of heat reactions respond to fluid replacement.
   • Type of Fluid. Give the patient as much cold water as he will drink. Do this until he feels better.
   • If you have a sports drink (such as Gatorade), give it instead. Sports drinks contain water, salt and sugar.
   • How Much. Start with 3 cups (24 ounces or 720 mL). Then give 1 cup (240 mL) every 15 minutes for the next 1-2 hours.
   • Urine Color. The urine color can show you if you are drinking enough fluids. Dark yellow urine means mild dehydration. Clear or light yellow urine means the patient is drinking enough fluids.
2. Heat Cramps - What You Should Know:
   • Heat cramps are the most common reaction to heat exposure. They are never serious. Sometimes, they can be an early warning sign of heat exhaustion.
   • The cramps occur in the muscles that were working the hardest.
   • They can be quite painful.
   • They mean that the body needs rest and more liquids and salt.
   • Heat cramps should stop in 1 to 2 hours after lost fluids are replaced.
3. Heat Exhaustion:
   • Put the patient in a cool place. Have him lie down with the feet elevated.
   • Undress him (except for underwear) so the body surface can give off heat.
   • Sponge the entire body surface constantly with cool water. Make the water as cold as tolerated without causing shivering.
   • Weakness should clear in 2 to 3 hours after lost fluids are replaced.
4. Dizziness - What You Should Know:
   • Dizziness and weakness can be caused by mild dehydration. This occurs from all the sweating that happens when hot.
   • Dizziness should clear in 1 to 2 hours after the lost fluids are replaced.
   • Mild dehydration can also cause nausea. It should pass after drinking enough fluids.
5. Fever - What You Should Know:
   • The body can get overheated from activity when it's hot outdoors. The temperature should come down to normal after drinking fluids and resting. This may take 1 or 2 hours.
   • Fluids: first, have the patient drink some liquids.
   • Cool Bath: second, take a cool bath or shower for 5 minutes. Cool means less than body temperature. Reason: brings down the temperature faster.
   • No Meds: fever medicines are of no value for this type of fever.
6. Salty Food:
   • After the patient drinks 2 or 3 glasses of water, offer some salty foods. Potato chips or pretzels are helpful.
   • Don't give salt tablets. Reason: they slow down the absorption of water and may cause vomiting.
7. Rest - Lie Down:
   • Rest in a cool place with a fan until feeling better.
8. Prevention of Heat Reactions:
   • Drink more water. When working outside or exercising in hot weather, drink large amounts of cool water. This helps prevent dehydration. For adults, this means at least 8 ounces (240 mL) every 15 to 30 minutes. Water is the best liquid for replacing lost sweat. Very little salt is lost.
   • Sports drinks. Most often, special sports drinks offer no advantage over water. But, they are helpful if you are working out for longer than an hour. If that is the case, replace 1 water drink per hour with a sports drink.
   • Take water breaks. Do this every 15 minutes and in the shade. Drink some water even if you're not thirsty. Thirst can be delayed until a person is almost dehydrated.
   • Avoid salt tablets. They slow down stomach emptying and delay the absorption of fluids.
   • Dress cool. Wear a single layer of lightweight clothing. Change it if it becomes wet with sweat.
   • Exercise smart. Physical activity in hot weather should be increased slowly.
   • Sports coaches suggest that exercise sessions be shorter and easier when it's hot. This means when the temperature is over 82°F (28°C). Also, this is very important if the humidity is high.
   • Stay cool. During heat waves, spend as much time as possible inside with air-conditioning. Electric fans also help. Slow down. It takes at least a week to get used to hot summer temperatures.
   • Limit hot tub time. When using a hot tub, limit use to 15 minutes. Use a "buddy" system in case a heat reaction suddenly occurs.
   • Do not use a hot tub if you have a fever. Also, do not use them right after hard work or sports. The body needs to get rid of heat.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Vomiting keeps from drinking
   • Signs of dehydration occur
   • Muscle cramps last more than 4 hours
   • Fever goes above 104°F (40.0°C)
   • Fever lasts more than 2 hours
   • You think the patient needs to be seen
   • The patient gets worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

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