Summer and high temperatures drive us all out of our heated homes and offices. So we spend most of our time in the pool, by the sea or on trips. In addition to SPF protection and proper clothing, drinking and headwear are also important. This is the only way we can avoid various problems, including health ones. In addition to enjoying the summer, warmth and relaxation, the current extreme heat also threatens the danger of heatstroke. Especially for the older generation and the elderly, overheating is extremely dangerous. More information on this topic was provided by the head of the Department of the Long-Term Sick at AGEL Handlová Hospital, MUDr. Miriam Kvostková.

While summer is the most positive time of the year for most of the population, seniors need to be especially vigilant. In fact, the combination of high daytime temperatures, advanced age and associated diagnoses can have fatal consequences. “In the case of the elderly, even the simple sensation of great heat can end up overheating the body in the form of heat stroke. Many people do not realise it at all, but heat stroke is as dangerous as a heart attack for the elderly. The interesting thing for many is that sunstroke is not associated with sunburn. This means that a patient can have it even if his skin is completely pale,” Miriam Kvostková, M.D., the head of the long-term sick ward of AGEL Handlová Hospital, points out that in the summer period they regularly admit patients with this diagnosis who have simply underestimated the heat. Heat collapses are not exceptional. “Body temperature can rise not only as a result of a single unprotected exposure to the sun, but also gradually when a senior is exposed to higher temperatures for several days in a row. This can be a life-threatening condition. It is manifested by fever, red, hot and dry skin, dizziness, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy or fainting. In such a situation, it is important that the senior is not left to fend for himself or herself on these hot days. He may underestimate the symptoms and may not be able to help himself,” points out the expert. As a rule, heat stroke manifests itself immediately.

“Overheating can complicate cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, also patients with diabetes can quickly become dehydrated, which then leads to deterioration of kidney function, and high temperatures do not benefit patients with neurological diseases. Heatstroke needs to be combated as quickly as possible and the body needs to be cooled down. First aid is to move as quickly as possible to a cool place, ideally indoors, where there is an opportunity to lie down and drink cold water. Sufficient fluids should be drunk, washed down with cool water or cold compresses. These are applied to the head, neck and groin. Proper treatment should ensure improvement within 30 – 40 minutes. If it continues to get worse after a longer time, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately,” adds MUDr. Kvostková.