A severe heat wave is expected to hit much of the eastern United States this week. And Millions of people Many people across the country are taking medications that could make them more susceptible to heatstroke.
Taking certain medications, including those used to treat mental illness, high blood pressure, and allergies, can make it even harder to stay hydrated and cool your body effectively when it’s hot outside. Here’s what you need to know and how to stay safe in scorching temperatures.
Drugs that may increase risk
Diuretics, which doctors prescribe to treat heart failure, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, help reduce fluid retention in the body. Frequent urinationBut they are also dehydration It can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, such as potassium and salt, making it difficult to regulate body temperature, said Allison Hill, director of practice and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association.
This is especially dangerous in extreme heat, as it can lead to dehydration, making it even more important for people who take diuretics (also called diuretics) to replenish fluids and electrolytes and watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, experts say.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can increase the risk of fainting and falling, especially in extreme heat, said Michael Redner, M.D., medical director of the emergency department at Mount Sinai West Hospital. Suppresses thirstThis can make it hard to know when you need to drink more water.
Beta-blockers are another type of blood pressure medication. The risk is also increasing The risk of fainting and falling increases, and sweating becomes less likely, making it harder for the body to cool itself down.
Blood pressure-lowering drugs known as calcium channel blockers can cause electrolyte imbalances, making it harder to regulate body temperature, Dr. Redner said.
Certain antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, olanzapine, and risperidone Affect Dr. Redner said your ability to sweat is also reduced. “When you take these drugs, your body temperature is more likely to increase,” he said.
Some antidepressants increase sweating and reduce thirst, which, like frequent urination, can lead to dehydration in hot weather. Thyroid hormone replacement medications also increase body temperature and inhibit thermoregulation, Excessive sweating.
Stimulants such as amphetamines, which are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, can affect the central nervous system and brain and increase the risk of heatstroke. Raise your body temperature“We’re seeing a lot of patients with pulmonary embolism in the United States,” said Dr. Mahesh Polavarapu, chief of emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Hospital.
Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine and doxylamine (Unisom) can also reduce sweating and interfere with thermoregulation, Dr. Polavarapu adds.
How to protect yourself from extreme heat
If your medications put you at increased risk for heatstroke, you can take precautions to stay cool.
First, be aware of the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke Symptoms of heat stroke include profuse sweating, cold, pale, clammy skin, headache, nausea, and vomiting. People with heat stroke may also experience muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue.
In more severe cases, if your body temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, overheating can lead to heat stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke causes your skin to look different, becoming red, hot, dry, or clammy. Heat stroke can also cause confusion and a persistent headache, and you may lose consciousness. If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately, says Dr. Polavarapu.
Dr. Redner recommends staying indoors in an air-conditioned room if possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, Cooling CenterLibraries, etc.
If you need to go outside, drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible, says Dr. Hill, and make sure you’re taking in electrolytes. ReplenishedYou can do this with sports drinks, other electrolyte drinks, fruits, and leafy greens. If you’re outdoors during extreme heat or indoors without air conditioning, Dr. Hill recommends drinking 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Dr Polavarapu says wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that reflects the sun can also help beat the heat, and if possible, try to limit your time outdoors to the early morning and late evening when these are the coolest times of the day.
