What you should know about hyperthermia (heat illness)

7/16/2024

Seniors especially should be aware of hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is an elevated body temperature that can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Hyperthermia can include heat stroke, heat edema (swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot), heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.

By being aware of the dangers and symptoms of hyperthermia, seniors can take proactive measures to protect themselves during hot weather and know how to respond effectively if symptoms occur. Here are some key points:

1) Types of Hyperthermia — There are different forms of hyperthermia that seniors should be aware of:

Heat Exhaustion: This is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid pulse. It can progress to heat stroke if not treated promptly.
Heat Stroke: A medical emergency where the body temperature rises rapidly, leading to confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and even organ damage. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention.

2) Increased Susceptibility -- Seniors are prone to hyperthermia due to age-related changes that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. Chronic medical conditions and certain medications can further increase this susceptibility.

3) Recognizing Symptoms -- It's crucial for seniors and those around them to recognize the early signs of heat-related illnesses, such as excessive sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, and nausea. Prompt attention to these symptoms can prevent more severe complications.

4) Risk Factors — Factors that increase the risk of hyperthermia in seniors include:

Poor air conditioning or lack of access to cooling facilities.
Living alone and not having someone to check on them during hot weather.
Chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain medications that affect heat regulation.

5) Preventive Measures — Seniors can take several steps to prevent hyperthermia:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if not feeling thirsty.
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use fans or air conditioning to stay cool.
Keep in touch with friends, family, or neighbors to ensure someone checks on them during heat waves.

6) Emergency Response — If someone suspects that a senior is experiencing heat stroke (high body temperature, altered mental state, rapid pulse, possibly unconsciousness), it is essential to call emergency services immediately and take steps to cool the person down by moving them to a cooler place and applying cool cloths.

Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.

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