Living in the dry heat of the Southwest is one of the many advantages of Durango and surrounding communities. If you are like me, you enjoy our 300+ days of sunny skies and use your open windows to cool you off at night during the summer.
Nevertheless, in talking with neighbors and friends who are lifelong residents, one common theme is a trend toward declining rainfall and increasing temperatures earlier in the year and sustained high temperatures during the summer. While recent rainfall has brought some relief, it is important that we prepare and adapt to a warming climate.
Our bodies are designed to manage heat stress to some degree. The physiological response is known as thermoregulation, which is controlled by the brain. This process is intended to maintain a constant and safe core body temperature. It relies heavily on the heat dissipating effects of sweat production and evaporation, which combine to remove heat from the body.
Maintaining a safe core body temperature in hot conditions is essential to our well-being and even survival when we are exposed to significant environmental heat. Our body’s normal response to heat requires adequate hydration, especially during periods of exertion, such as extended hikes or outdoor work. Water replenishes the moisture that we lose through perspiration. The addition of electrolytes is occasionally necessary during strenuous activity in the heat.
Heat-related illness ranges from mild to extreme. Early signs of heat illness include muscle cramps and heat rash, which is a stinging skin irritation that turns your skin red.
Dehydration can produce headache, nausea and dizziness. These are signs that you need to hydrate, take a break and seek shade or a cooler environment.
More serious heat illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is usually the result of prolonged activity in excessive heat resulting in heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a weak rapid pulse. Older persons and those with high blood pressure are at increased risk. Heat exhaustion requires immediate intervention to promote hydration and cooling and to avoid a life-threatening condition.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness marked by a sudden rise in body temperature resulting from failure of the sweating mechanism and inability of the body to cool down.
Symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Without prompt recognition and treatment, heat stroke can lead to death.
Heat-related illness can be prevented. Staying well hydrated, avoiding consumption of alcohol and caffeine, taking frequent breaks during exertion, limiting exertion to earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler, and seeking rest and shade when early symptoms of heat illness occur are all important strategies.
Dr. Matthew A. Clark, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics, works for the Indian Health Service.
