GOUVERNEUR, NY – The high humidity and temperatures often associated with August are also cause for many people reporting to the Emergency Department with heat-related conditions.
There are a wide variety of summer symptoms that may occur during the hot days, and can range from simple heat exhaustion or heat cramps, to potentially fatal conditions like heat stroke.
“Many mild symptoms may be treated at home by moving into a cool room and drinking plenty of fluids; however, if you are concerned about how you feel, you should present to the Emergency Department for an evaluation by an emergency medicine provider,” noted Gouverneur Hospital Emergency Department Director Adam Quinn, MD.
Some of the severe symptoms of heat-related illness that should be evaluated in the Emergency Department include confusion, difficulty walking, loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Although young children and older adults are more predisposed to heat-related illness, the warm summer months can affect people of all ages. Dr. Quinn noted heat-related illness can be prevented by taking proper precautions, such as avoiding prolonged outdoor activity during the warmest part of the day, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light clothing and sunscreen, and moving to a cooler area.
“Going swimming is a great way to beat the heat during the summer, and proper water safety should also be followed: adult supervision is needed for children, always wear a life vest, enter the water feet first if you are jumping in, and never swim alone,” Dr. Quinn said.
Everyone should be aware that heat-related illness is a very time sensitive condition, but can be easily treated if precautions are taken.
“If you experience the first signs of overheating such as exhaustion or cramping, you should immediately get to a cooler room and drink plenty of fluids, especially those that include electrolytes, as this condition can continue to worsen and lead to more severe symptoms,” Dr. Quinn noted. “If you ignore the warning signs, more severe symptoms that are left untreated can cause permanent disabilities, prolonged hospitalization, and in rare cases, death. As long as you take the proper precautions, the warm summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful area.”
While summer can cause some unique reasons why someone may need to get to the Emergency Department, whenever anyone is experiencing a medical emergency, they should be evaluated by an emergency medicine provider. According to Dr. Quinn, some of these conditions include chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, passing out, seizures, severe injuries, and thoughts about hurting yourself or others.
For information on St. Lawrence Health’s Emergency departments at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital, please visit https://stlawrencehealthsystem.org/Services/Emergency.
