High temperatures have scorched Louisiana this summer, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for many people. The Louisiana Department of Health also reported that the state exceeded the average number of annual heat-related emergency room visits.

The body normally cools itself by sweating, but during extreme heat, a person’s body temperature increases faster than it can cool itself down. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur when the body cannot properly cool itself. This can result in damage to vital organs.

Who is at risk for heat-related illness?

 According to the CDC, individuals who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness are the elderly, infants, and young children, and those who have underlying health conditions. People who engage in intense exercise or training as well as people who work outdoors in hot environments are also at risk. Additional factors that may increase the chance of developing a heat-related illness include:

• Dehydration
• Drinking alcohol
• Fever
• Heart disease
• Poor circulation
• Sunburn
• Prescription medications

 

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and stroke?

When a person is overheated, their internal temperature may rise above the normal range of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The first sign of heat-related illness may be muscle cramps and spasms, which may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke and can develop after exposure to high temperatures, insufficient fluid intake or dehydration. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include a fast but weak pulse, heavy sweating, dizziness and headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, as well as cold, pale, and clammy skin.

When the body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it could indicate heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy sweating or inability to sweat normally, fast or shallow breathing, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, seizures, confusion and unconsciousness.

What should you do if someone is experiencing signs of heat illness?

If you are in the presence of someone showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler environment. Then offer sips of water, loosen clothing, apply cool and wet cloths, or have the person sit in a cool bath. If symptoms last more than an hour or the victim is vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.

According to the CDC, heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, it is unable to sweat properly or cool down. If the body temperature rises to 106°F or higher permanent disability or death can result within 10 to 15 minutes if the person does not receive emergency treatment.

If someone is showing any signs of heat stroke, a delay in medical treatment can be fatal. Call 911 or take the victim to a hospital immediately. If you are waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, move the victim to a cooler place such as an air-conditioned room. Apply cool cloths or have the person sit in a cool bath. Do not give the person fluids to drink.

Now that you have learned more about the difference between heat exhaustion and stroke, you may be wondering if soaring temperatures affect medication. Keep reading to find out what happens if medication is exposed to heat and how Carmichael’s pharmacists can help patients adapt to hot temperatures.

Can medicine go bad in the heat?

The active chemicals in most over the counter and prescription medications are likely to react to high temperatures. When medication is exposed to extreme heat for too long, it can break down or lose its effectiveness. If your medication has been exposed to a high temperature, contact a Carmichael’s pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it.

Medications that are sensitive to heat should be kept in a cool, dry place according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you are traveling with medicine that needs to stay cold, consider using an insulated cooler bag and add a few ice packs to keep the bag cool. Make sure that your medication stays dry.

How We Can Help

If you have any questions or concerns about possible heat-related side effects associated with your medication, a Carmichael’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with precautions to take while coping with the hot weather.

Here are five tips to deal with a heat wave and prevent heat-related damage of your medications:

• Check the storage information and temperature recommendations for any medications you take. Do not store medications in your vehicle or trunk.
• Keep cool by staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

• Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Avoid or limit caffeine and beverages that contain alcohol.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabric when outdoors and wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from direct sunlight.
• Monitor existing health conditions during hot weather, take precautions as advised by your doctor or healthcare provider, and be aware of new symptoms.

Carmichael’s pharmacists proactively communicate with patients about their medications and medical history. Carmichael’s makes the prescribing process easy with customer-friendly service and highly trained staff. Contact us to learn more about how our pharmacy services can help you manage your prescriptions.