ER sees increase in heat exhaustion

Written by Amanda Moreno
Friday, 17 July 2009

It's no secret that this summer has been hotter than normal. With rising temperatures, the Emergency Room at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital has seen an increase in heat exhaustion cases. "We are seeing about two to six people per day for heat exhaustion," Janeen James, Emergency Department Doctor said.

Despite rising temperatures, there are a few precautions that can be taken. According to James, if you are outside in the hot temperatures, the best thing to do is wear protective headwear, loose clothing and drink fluids frequently.

"Drinking water is not enough. People tend to think that drinking water is enough, but if all you are drinking is water, and you are sweating out salt, the electrolytes in your body are decreasing," James said.
James said that the best thing to drink is powerade, gatorade and drinks without caffeine.
Some of the signs of heat exhaustion are increased sweating, nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomitting and fainting.

"By covering your head while your outside, it can lower the body temperature," James said.
If you experience these symptoms, the best thing to do is find a cool place, sit in the shade and put a cool cloth on you.

"Those that work outside begin to think that they are used to the heat, and they don't realize what five degrees can mean," James said. "Everyone needs to take precautions against this."
According to James, those with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can be more prone to having heat exhaustion.

"If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to a heat stroke and become a medical emergency," James said.