How to Tackle Heat-Related Illnesses This Summer
Although we’re still enjoying the tranquil, slightly cool mornings of spring, in no time, it’ll be time to bring out the swimsuits and BBQ grills and enjoy the gorgeous Australian summer. While summer in Australia (which coincides perfectly with the Christmas and New Year break) is a time of frolicking in the sun, having countless pool parties and trips to the beach, it often also comes with several health problems that may have you frantically visiting the GP or emergency room every week.
Whether you’ve just discovered that your regular GP is on an extended vacation or you’re out of station and need to see a doctor urgently, Prime Medic’s online doctors can come in handy. Allowing you to get access to quality, AHPRA registered doctors from anywhere in Australia; Prime Medic offers many services including:
- Online medical consultations - Online doctor’s certificates - Online scripts - Online specialist or pathology referrals.To adequately protect yourself this summer, learn about the most common heat-related illnesses in Australia and how to prevent them.
Common Heat-Related Illnesses
The Australian sun can be brutal and cause a number of heat-related problems, such as:
- Heat Rash: This form of rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, manifests as tiny, red bumps that may be itchy and sting. - Heat Cramps:Heat cramps result from the loss of salts from the body due to excessive sweating in high heat, often after some form of strenuous exercise. The symptoms manifest as painful muscle cramps and spasms and are one of the mildest forms of heat-related stress.
- Heat Exhaustion:A more severe form of heat-related illness, heat exhaustion is caused by a rapid loss of fluids and salts from the body. This typically happens after an individual spends long hours in high temperatures. The symptoms manifest as heavy sweating, a fast but weak pulse and heavy breathing.
- Heat Stroke:The most serious form of heat-related illness, heat strokes are almost always life-threatening. People suffering from heat stroke may have a sudden increase in their body temperatures until it reaches levels above 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit). Reports have found that heatstroke is fatal in up to 80% of cases.
Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illnesses:
People most at risk of heat-related illnesses include: - The elderly, especially those over the age of 65 - Young children and babies - Pregnant women - People working outdoors for long periods - People with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or high blood pressure - People taking medication for mental illness.Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses:
Different demographics may show different symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the different types of heat illnesses will also show different symptoms.
In babies and young children, heat-related illness often manifests as irritability and increased restlessness, as well as a decrease in wet nappies. Older people may also show the following symptoms:
- Heat rash: The appearance of small, red blisters that are itchy and are also known as ‘prickly heat’. They are most often found in the elbow creases, on the neck and upper chest, under the breasts and on the groin. - Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms and cramps, usually in the stomach, arms or legs, resulting from a loss of salt and fluids in the body. You may also have flushed, moist skin. - Fainting and lightheadedness: Again, a result of a rapid loss of fluids and salt from the body, which results in reduced blood flow to the brain, dizzy spells, lightheadedness, and fainting are all symptoms of heat stress. - Sudden onset of high-grade fever: Persons suffering from heat exhaustion may experience a sudden rise in body temperature and heart rate but may have moist, cool skin. In cases of heat stroke, the body temperature may suddenly rise to levels over 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit), which can often be fatal if not brought down as soon as possible. - Dehydration: A decrease in urination, dark, cloudy urine, or experiencing pain when urinating are all signs of dehydration, a symptom of heat-related stress. - Confusion: Slurred speech, disorientation, agitation, and hallucinations are all signs of heat stroke. It is imperative to immediately call 000 or head to the emergency room if someone starts showing these signs after being outdoors. - Seizures: Seizures are another late symptom of heatstroke, leading to brain damage and organ failure if the person is not given immediate attention. Heatstroke is serious and fatal if the person is not given immediate attention. Please head to your nearest emergency room or call 000 if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of heat stroke.Protecting Yourself Against Heat-Related Illnesses This Summer
Fortunately, heat illnesses are very preventable if you take the right measures. To protect yourself against getting overheated, take the following steps: - Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Staying hydrated is key to preventing dehydration which can lead to overheating. - Stay within the shade where possible. If you need to stay out in the sun, take short breaks and head into a cool, shaded area periodically. - Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing when spending long periods in the sun. Avoid dark colours and heavy clothing. - Wear sunscreen at all times. Not only will sunscreen protect you from the sun's harmful rays, but it will also protect you from sunburn. Sunburns reduce your body’s natural ability to sweat and cool itself down. - Cover your head with a scarf or wide-brimmed hat when outside. - Avoid eating heavy, hot or greasy meals. - Drink sports drinks or solutions containing electrolytes that are low in sugar.Treating Heat-Related Illnesses
Usually, people treated within 30 minutes of experiencing symptoms will not have any lasting side effects. The most important thing for anyone suffering from any heat illness is to get them out of the sun and into the shade and try to bring their body temperature down. You can use cool compresses to wet their skin, increase their fluid intake (if the person is fully conscious), remove outer clothing and seek medical help if there is no improvement even after some time has passed. If the person suffers from heatstroke, do NOT give them fluids to drink. Position them on their side if they are unconscious. Seek further instructions from hospital emergency staff or the ambulance if medical attention is delayed.
Although heat-related illnesses are temporary, they may be quite dangerous for people with certain health conditions like pregnancy, diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are among those most at risk, consider booking an online medical consultation with a doctor at Prime Medic to learn more about how to protect yourself against the heat this summer. We also offer online specialist referrals, online repeat prescriptions and online doctor certificates in Australia.
