Risks of Hot Weather For The Elderly

Our COUNTRY is currently experiencing hot weather.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has expected that this phenomenon will last until April.

According to the Geriatric and Internal Medicines Specialist in Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Dr Tay Hui Sian, this situation is not safe, especially for the elderly or those with health issues.

She said, one is at risk to get heat-related disease and it can cause severe health issues.

Dr Hui Sian said that the heat edema which is swelling at ankles and feet can also be triggered when our body becomes hot.

Not only that, rashes such as clusters of red acne or small blisters that cause skin irritation may also happen.

It typically affects the neck, upper chest, groin, underneath breasts and elbow folds area.

There might be itching or tingling and prickling sensation on the skin. She added that heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is unable to cool itself.

She said, that even though one's body temperature might still be normal one's skin will feel cold, pale, and moist.

Besides experiencing rapid breathing, one's pulse rate will be rapid and weak.

Increasing body temperature

Therefore, the specialist has suggested that those who are affected should rest in a cool place and increase fluid intake.

"If you're not feeling better in a short period of time, get treatment quickly to avoid heat stroke.

"It is a medical emergency and the most serious heat-related disease where one's body temperature increases over 40 degrees Celcius," she explained.

It happens when our body is not able to control the rapid increase of body temperature. 

Dr Hui Sian further added, that the heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Early symptoms that can be seen are sweating profusely, thirst and exhaustion, hot, dry, and flushed skin, strong and rapid pulse.

These symptoms are then followed by an increase in body temperature, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps on the lower body.

Some elderly people may experience signs such as confusion, unconsciousness or in a coma before they are aware of the early signs of heat stroke.

It is driven by these factors:

1. Inability to regulate body with the sudden change of temperature.
2. Chronic diseases that affect body reactions towards temperature.
3. Health issues such as heart, lungs or kidney disease.
4. Changes on skin caused by normal aging.
5. Disease that cause weakness or fever.
6. Medication intake such as for incontinence, sedative, heart and hypertension.
7. Is obese or underweight.
8. Intake of alcoholic drinks.
9. Staying at a place with no access to air-conditioner and fan.
10. Dehydration.

The specialist added that, heat-related diseases can be predicted and prevented.

"When someone experiences any of these symptoms, they should get medical attention and move to a cooler place quickly such as under a shade or in a house.

"They also need to take actions to lower their body temperature by wearing loose and thin clothing, take a cold shower, and switch on fans or air-conditioner," she said.

Dr. Hui Sian continued, that she also advised the patients to get consultation from doctors regarding medicines that can cause someone's body to overheat or be inflicted with heat-related diseases.

"Most importantly, if you're caring for children or elderly, help them to avoid the heat.

"Don't leave anyone in the vehicle if it is parked under the sun," she said.

Every individual can also take precautions to keep an eye on the safety of their colleagues.

She insisted that diseases caused by heat can cause confusion or unconsciousness.

"If you're older than 65 years old, contact your friends or your family to check up on you twice a day.

"Do the same thing if you know anyone in this age group," she said.

For more info about Dr. Tay Hui Sian, click here.