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Extreme Heat!

Take out the politics of global warming and climate change and there is still one fact that will remain. Hot weather can cause dehydration. So what's the big deal about dehydration? It is one of the most common causes of summer trips to the emergency room, particularly in older folks, is dehydration. In warm weather months, dehydration can sneak up on you quickly. It can make you so disoriented and confused that you may not recognize that your body needs water! Dehydration can cause a life-threatening condition, disrupting electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) and lead to changes in the heart's rhythm. But you can take steps to prevent it.

Your body is about two thirds water. This water is essential to the functioning of the organs. When your body loses a significant amount of water, you may begin to feel sick. This is dehydration. The most common cause of dehydration in the warm weather months is from sweating without replacing fluids. Other causes include vomiting, diarrhea, and certain medications like diuretics or laxatives.

There are reasons why older persons are more likely to become dehydrated than younger adults. One reason is that a lot of older folks choose not to drink in order to reduce trips to the bathroom, especially if they have a problem with incontinence (an inability to hold urine.) Additionally, the elderly may not feel as thirsty as younger people. Some may have reduced kidney function or others may have a problem that makes it hard to get a drink (like painful walking.) Medications that increase urine output may affect some people. Last, they may not believe that they can become dehydrated or may not understand what dehydration is.

We often do not recognize the symptoms of dehydration. If it were as simple as "I'm thirsty", then we wouldn't have a problem. Thirst may be a symptom of dehydration, but this symptom can occur late in the process of dehydration. Other symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint, irritability, confusion, dry mouth, sticky mouth, less urine production or dark, strong urine.
In the early stages of dehydration, you might be able to halt the process by replacing fluids and controlling fluid loss. However, with severe or frequent symptoms as described above, fluid loss may need to be replaced with intravenous fluids, which can hydrate the body more quickly than just drinking water can.

Dehydration is a big deal! Take action to prevent the problem. Drink lots of fluids during the warm weather months, even if you don't feel thirsty. (If you have been vomiting and/or had diarrhea it is also important to replace fluids.) Heed health warnings when the weather gets hot. Exert yourself carefully when it is very hot, taking frequent rest/cooling off breaks. Water is by far the first choice for fluid intake. Juice and sports drinks are also acceptable, or try sucking on a Popsicle. Alcoholic beverages, sugary drinks and drinks with caffeine are not good choices.

For more information, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org