Heat Stress in the Elderly
Elderly
people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to
heat stress than younger people for several reasons:
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Elderly people do not adjust as well as young
people to sudden changes in temperature.
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They are more likely to have a chronic medical
condition that upsets normal body responses to heat.
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They are more likely to take prescription
medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its
temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness.
It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its
temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses
its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body
temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat
stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency
treatment is not provided.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
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An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
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Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
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Rapid, strong pulse
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Throbbing headache
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Dizziness
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Nausea
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness
that
can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and
inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
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Heavy sweating
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Paleness
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Muscle Cramps
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Tiredness
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Weakness
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Dizziness
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Headache
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fainting
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Skin: may be cool and moist
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Pulse rate: fast and weak
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Breathing: fast and shallow
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from
heat-related stress:
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Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your
doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you
on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the
weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they
can cause cramps.)
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Rest.
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Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
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If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment.
(If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an
air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
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Wear lightweight clothing.
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If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the
day.
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Do not engage in strenuous activities.
What You Can Do to Help Protect Elderly Relatives and Neighbors
If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them
protect themselves from heat-related stress:
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Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them
for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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Take
them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation
problems.
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Make
sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever
possible.
What You Can Do for Someone With Heat Stress
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with
a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate
medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do
the following:
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Get the person to a shady area.
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Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods
you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water;
place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool
water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or
if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and
fan him or her vigorously.
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Monitor body temperature and continue cooling
efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–102°F
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If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call
the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
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Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
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Get medical assistance as soon as possible
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600
Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day
cdcinfo@cdc.gov
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