Published: Thursday, June 24, 2010

Area medical professionals warning recent heat wave can be deadly

Health Watch
Madison Weekly

Finding relief from the oppressive heat can be challenging, but the heat wave we're experiencing isn't just uncomfortable, it can also be deadly. It's not only hot, it's humid. Doctors say it takes days for our bodies to adjust to the extreme of both. If we don't take precautions there's a good chance of getting very ill.

ER Doctor William Fialkowski says in the past week there's been a sharp increase of patients suffering from a heat related illness. You don't have to be exercising or working in the sun to become a victim.

"Even the sunbathers need to make sure they're drinking plenty of water or fluids. You need to avoid alcohol and caffeine and soda because that will increase the chance of heat cramps and heat exhaustion," said Dr. Fialkowski.

"We went out to the pool and we spent too much time out in the sun and when I went in the house I passed out and everyone was still at the pool and I didn't realize I was having a heat stroke," said Candace Newton.

There are three types of heat related illness. Heat cramps cause muscles to cramp. You become weak and get a headache. Heat exhaustion causes you to get nauseous, and your heart races. If you have these symptoms get water and cool down. The worst is heat stroke.

"If a person is having a heat stroke they become confused. They hallucinate and their blood pressure may drop. The heart rate goes up and a person can actually become comatose," said Dr. Fialkowski.

This condition requires immediate emergency care. All heat related illnesses can be prevented though. Each day you're supposed to drink at least 64 ounces of water. Doctors say when you're sweating to double that amount. It's something Candace Newton tries to do for both her and her son while playing at the park.

“He's sweating too so and he doesn't want to stop going so I'm chasing him around and I'm about to pass out in the heat to and I don't know what else to do but pack up and go," said Newton.

Doctors say if you have to be outside wear a hat and loose fitting clothes, drink plenty of water, rest and take breaks out of the heat.