Three Heat-Related Health Conditions you Must Know about!

Nairobi has been uncomfortably cold for the past few months. Seasons were supposed to turn around in August as the sun approached the equator for the September equinox, but the month is almost ending with the same gloomy weather. However, the sun was out when I went hiking at Ngong Hills about a week ago! As I observed my friends and many other hikers on the hills, and I remembered previous encounters on the trails, I realized that many people have no idea about how dangerous the sun can be beside the discomfort of the heat and sweat. Many people underestimate the role that high temperatures play in reducing their performance. And most importantly, the risk of vital organ damage and death that comes with the high temperatures. Let us briefly discuss the main heat-related conditions, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention and treatment measures.

Description

There are three main and closely related heat-related conditions:
- Heat cramps (mild)
- Heat exhaustion (moderate)
- Heat stroke (extreme)

Heat cramps are painful, prolonged, involuntary muscle spasms that occur during heavy exercise in a hot environment. Heat cramps are attributed to the loss of electrolytes through sweating. Left untreated, heat cramps progress into heat exhaustion and then heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are an effect of rising core temperature due to the reduced capacity of the body to regulate the core temperature. Heat stroke is a fatal condition that can lead to permanent organ damage or death within minutes. It is important to observe yourself and your hiking companions for early signs of these conditions.

Cause

The underlying cause of all heat-related illnesses is heat. Sometimes when the body is exposed to heat, it can’t regulate body temperature properly thus the core temperature rises above the normal 37°C.
Non-exertional heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to hot humid weather for a prolonged period.
Exertional heat stroke is caused by intense physical activity in hot weather.

In both cases, the condition can be brought on by:
- Wearing excess clothing
- Drinking alcohol
- Dehydration (loss of water and electrolytes)

Other risk factors to consider include:
- Age (children below 4 and adults above 65 are more prone to these conditions.
- Sudden exposure to hot weather
- Certain medication
- Certain health conditions
It’s important to note that some people are more prone to these conditions than others.

Symptoms

Heat cramps are characterized by painful involuntary muscle spasms in muscles that are being used.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Cool moist skin when in the heat
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache

Symptoms of heat stroke are:
- High body temperature
- Altered mental state (confusion, delirium, agitation, slurred speech, seizures, and coma)
- Alteration in sweating (hot and dry skin)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart rate
- Headache

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to wilderness first aid
- Wear appropriate clothing, layering up and down as necessary
- Protect your skin from sunburn because that compromises the ability of the skin to cool the body
- Hydrate
- Rest in the shade and slow your pace when it’s hot
- Acclimate to the hot weather by gradual exposure
- Be self-aware especially if you are prone to get these conditions

First aid treatment for one who has caught the condition
- Cease activity and rest
- Hydrate
- Douse with cold water
- Place a wet cloth on the head, neck, or armpits
- Seek medical attention by calling 999

When we go outdoors we are increasing the risk factor significantly. We must do risk management by thinking about these details in advance and preparing to handle any situation we come across on the trail. It’s spring season at the equator and soon summer heat will be upon us. Be more vigilant than ever! Let not the forces of nature stop you from being one with nature. Blend in and keep moving!