Children, elderly at higher risk for heat-related illness
(ROCKWALL, TX – August 11, 2015) With the recent weeks bringing some of the hottest weather Texas has seen all year, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall reminds community members of the importance of keeping hydrated – especially those who plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
For parents, it might often be difficult to tell if a child is suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion, particularly if the child happens to be enjoying some swim time at the pool.
Dr. Clint Lowry – who works within the Texas Health North Rockwall Emergency Room located at2265 N. Lakeshore Dr.– said some of the major signs and symptoms of dehydration to look for include increased respiratory rate, vomiting and headache.
According to Dr. Lowry, the elderly and very young of age are at a higher risk of suffering a heat-related illness such as a heat stroke or dehydration when exposed to hot temperatures for long periods of time.
“Elderly patients – particularly if they have underlying heart disease or are on a lot of medications – may be prone to experiencing heat exhaustion and heat stroke sooner than younger, healthier patients,” Dr. Lowry said. “The same could be said for the very young, who may not physiologically adapt as well in extreme heat conditions.”
For someone who’s severely dehydrated or suffering from severe heat exhaustion and must be taken to the ER, the staff within the North ER will always first check the individual’s electrolyte levels and renal functions (the state of the kidneys), both of which Dr. Lowry said are very important when it comes to treating heat-related illnesses.
“Checking electrolytes and renal function would be the minimum workup, potentially much more depending on how the patient feels and what their adjoining medical problems are,” he said.
The most important thing an individual can do to combat the heat would be to hydrate with the proper fluids before venturing out into the sun. Liquids such as water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks such as Gatorade or PowerAde are much better choices than diuretic drinks containing caffeine and alcohol which can increase urine output, causing you to lose more fluids.
“Preventing dehydration really starts before you leave the house,” Dr. Lowry said. “Make sure you’re well hydrated before you get out in the heat.”
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall is a joint venture owned by Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of physician-owned hospital. Physicians on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News reporter.
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