Summer time heat: Staying hydrated is key to good health

by Tonia Fishback, Reporter
(Editor’s Note: With summertime arriving this month, information on dehydration, it’s signs, symptoms, prevention, and information about other heat-related problems are made available in a three-part series. The first is printed below, with follow-up articles in upcoming editions of The Sabine Index.)

Keeping hydrated is the key to preventing dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
With summer-time temperatures already reaching the mid 90s to 100 degrees in Sabine Parish the threat of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are real dangers. When the heat index soars into the triple digits, those working or playing outdoors need to take precautions against these dangers. Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Pregnant women and workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may also be at risk of heat stress.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic and always changing. This is especially true with water in the body. Water is routinely lost when we breathe and humidified air leaves the body; we sweat to cool the body; and when we urinate or have a bowel movement to rid the body of waste products.
In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water to replace this routine loss. If intravascular (within the blood vessels) water is lost, the body can compensate somewhat by shifting water from cells into the blood vessels, but this is a very short-term solution. Signs and symptoms of dehydration will occur quickly if the water is not replenished.

Dehydration occurs because there is too much water lost, not enough water taken in, or most often a combination of the two. Diarrhea is the most common reason a person loses excess water. A significant amount of water can be lost with each bowel movement. Worldwide, more than four million children die each year because of dehydration from diarrhea.

The staff at Happy Days Daycare, in Many, takes extra precautions during these hot summer days to assure the children are well hydrated. Outside play-time is scheduled for earlier in the morning when temperature are lower and shady areas are designated for outside play. A container filled with a cold, hydrating beverage always accompanies the children outside and caregivers closely monitor the children for dehydration symptoms.
Some other factors that can lead to dehydration are:

- Vomiting can also be a cause of fluid loss and it is difficult for a person to replace water by drinking it if they are unable to tolerate liquids.
- The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the environment, intense exercising in a hot environment, or because a fever is present due to an infection; the body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat (a pound of water).
- In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar to spill into the urine and water then follows, which can cause significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and excessive thirst are among the symptoms of diabetes.
- Burn victims become dehydrated because water seeps into the damaged skin. Other inflammatory diseases of the skin are also associated with fluid loss.
- The inability to drink adequately is the other potential cause of dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the lack of strength to drink adequate amounts, this, coupled with routine or extraordinary water losses can compound the degree of dehydration.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration

The body’s initial responses to dehydration are thirst to increase water intake along with decreased urine output to try to conserve water. The urine will become concentrated and more yellow in color. As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can become apparent. The following are further signs and symptoms of dehydration, dry mouth, the eyes stop making tears, sweating may stop, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, and light-headedness (especially when standing).
Confusion and weakness will occur with severe dehydration. Finally, coma and organ failure will occur if the dehydration remains untreated.

Dehydration diagnosed

Dehydration is often a clinical diagnosis. Aside from diagnosing the reason for dehydration, the health care practitioner’s examination of the patient will assess the level of dehydration. Dehydration occurs over time. If it can be recognized in its earliest stages, and if its cause can be addressed, then home treatment may be adequate.

Steps a person can take at home to prevent severe dehydration include:

- Individuals with vomiting and diarrhea can try to alter their diet and use medications to control symptoms to minimize water loss.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to control fever.
- Fluid replacements may be attempted by replacing fluid by mouth with frequent small amounts of clear fluids

If the patient becomes confused or lethargic; if there is persistent, uncontrolled fever, vomiting, or diarrhea; or if there are any other specific concerns, then medical care should be accessed.

Emergency medical system (EMS) or 911 should be notified for any individual with altered mental status, such as confusion, lethargy, or coma.

Picture: Kids at Happy Days Child Care in Many take extra precautions to stay hydrated on these hot sunny days. After a game of T-ball students settle in for a cool, refreshing glass of lemonade. Sitting from left, Patrick Cobb, Mikyah Maxie, Elizabeth Greer, Lexi Powell being held by Miyanna Maxie, Amaria Maxie, Riley Greer and Camedon Sepulvado. Boys standing from left, Damarrion Taylor, Ky’Xaxier Warren, Jadyen Ivy, Blake Sproles, Braxton Sepulvado, Blain Sproles and Sean Ivy. Not pictured are teachers Kasha Thomas and Mechelle Powell.