Dehydration & Sunstroke
Summer weather is great for pool parties and barbecues, but with the summer sun also comes an increased risk of dehydration and sunstroke. Learn more about the difference between the two, as well as how to stay cool and hydrated so you can continue to enjoy the summer fun.
What are Dehydration and Sunstroke?
Dehydration is a decrease in the body’s water balance. Water is crucial for survival since approximately 75 percent of the human body is water, so dehydration can have severe health consequences. Proper hydration is particularly important in hot weather to help lower the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
Sunstroke, or heat stroke, occurs when the body loses its ability to cool itself and body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain groups of people including infants, young children and older adults, as well as those taking certain medications or with certain health conditions, are more prone to these conditions.
Signs of Dehydration
Signs and symptoms of dehydration vary depending on how severe the condition becomes. One of the top indicators of hydration levels is the color of urine: pale or clear urine indicates good hydration levels while darker urine points to dehydration. In addition to darker urine, early symptoms of dehydration may include thirst and decreased urine production. Moderate dehydration may also include the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Dry mouth
Muscle weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Severe dehydration may include the above symptoms plus the following:
Sunken eyes
Lack of sweating
Dry, shriveled skin
Low blood pressure
Fever
Increased heart rate
Delirium
Unconsciousness
Signs of Dehydration in Children
Infants and children may show the following symptoms of dehydration:
Irritability
Sunken soft spot in infants
Dry mouth and tongue
No tears when crying
Sunken eyes or cheeks
No wet diapers for more than three hours
Signs of Sunstroke
Sunstroke shares a number of symptoms in common with dehydration including a headache, sweat changes, increased heart rate, delirium and unconsciousness. Sunstroke victims may also display the following symptoms:
Elevated body temperature
Nausea
Red skin
Rapid, shallow breathing
Mental changes
Treatment
Treatment of dehydration and sunstroke focuses on reversing the condition that causes the problem. This means increasing fluid levels for dehydration and decreasing temperature for sunstroke. Treatment for dehydration may include the following:
Drinking clear fluids including water, ice pops, broth or sports drinks
Intravenous fluids
Avoiding caffeinated beverages
Treatment of underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of dehydration such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever and diabetes
Cool a person with sunstroke quickly. Possible ways to treat sunstroke include:
Submerging in cold water
Misting with cool water and fanning to encourage evaporation and cooling
Wrapping in a cooling blanket
Placing ice packs on the body in areas with large superficial veins such as the neck, armpit, groin and back
Prevention of Dehydration and Sunstroke
Both dehydration and sunstroke are more common in hot weather. Take steps to help avoid them by following these prevention tips:
Drink plenty of fluids
Consume foods with a high water content like fruits and vegetables
Minimize activities in extreme heat
Avoid being active during the hottest part of the day
Replenish fluids after activity or sweating
Additional tips for avoiding sunstroke include:
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
Take frequent breaks from activity in hot conditions
Don’t leave someone in a parked car, even with open windows
Avoid sunburns
Dehydration and sunstroke are serious medical conditions that are largely preventable. Take care of yourself and your loved ones by taking proper precautions to help avoid these conditions, particularly in hot weather. Our team of knowledgeable healthcare providers can help you manage to deal with sunstroke and dehydration. Contact us here for more information.