What is heat stress?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 24/11/2010 - 1:15pm

During the Summer months many older people are admitted to hospital for heat- related illness.

As people age they are more prone to the dangers of heat stress. Our bodies normally cool themselves by sweating. As we age our bodies do not adjust as efficiently to sudden changes in temperature.

In hot weather sweating may not be enough. If the bodies temperature rises to dangerous levels (over 40.5 C) we can develop a heat-related illness.

Heat stress can cause a number of heat-related illnesses ranging from mild heat cramps to the more dangerous heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How to prevent heat-related illness

In most cases heat- related illness is largely preventable. Symptoms of heat stress can occur suddenly or over a number of days. Older people showing signs of heat stress should be cooled down immediately.

It's important to remember if left untreated, symptoms can progress and become life-threatening.

Try and stay indoors. Encourage a person to use an air-conditioner or visit an air-conditioned space such as the local library or shopping centre.
Ensure cool fluids are always within reach. If a person goes out encourage them to carry a water bottle.
Wear loose fitting light coloured clothing, avoid synthetic fabrics.
If outdoors wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
Older people often do not feel thirsty. Encourage a person to drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
Be cautious of leaving assitive aids in the sun. Walking frames and wheelchairs can quickly become very hot.
Assist a person to take their medications as prescribed.
Place a fan by the bed. Ensure a bedridden person does not have too many blankets on.
People with dementia cannot always recognise a change in temperature or communicate if they are hot. Check a person is wearing appropriate clothing.

If a person shows signs of heat stress attempt to cool them down. Assist a person to take a cold shower or sponge bath. Give plenty of cool non-alcoholic drinks. Use a fan to cool a person down. Call a doctor or ambulance if you're concerned over any symptoms or attempts to cool a person down do not work.

References

SA Health
Extreme heat- health advice
Caring for older people
Accessed 22/11/10

Medline Plus
Heat illness
Accessed 22/11/10