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Hyperthermia and Heatstroke: Caring for Older Adults in Summer

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Published: 11 October 2020

In Australia, heatwaves have caused more deaths than any other natural disaster over the past 100 years (DEA 2016).

With older adults over 65 being one of the high-risk groups for hyperthermia (along with babies and young children, pregnant women and those with certain conditions) (Better Health Channel 2015a), knowing how to appropriately care for your older clients during the warmer months is crucial.

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is an umbrella term comprising several heat-related illnesses that are caused by disruption to homeostasis. Hyperthermia occurs when the body is unable to dissipate as much heat as it is absorbing or producing, leading to a thermoregulation failure (NIA 2016; QAS 2017).

Heat-related illnesses include heat syncope, heat cramps, heat oedema, heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat rash, worsening of existing medical conditions and heatstroke (NIA 2016; Better Health Channel 2015a).

Heatstroke is defined by a body temperature of over 40°C. It is the most serious form of hyperthermia and is a life-threatening medical emergency that may lead to multi-organ failure, disability or death. In order to prevent heat exhaustion from progressing to heatstroke, prompt treatment is essential (QAS 2017).

Up to 80% of heatstroke cases result in fatalities (Better Health Channel 2015a).

Why are Older Adults at Increased Risk of Hyperthermia and Heat-Related Illnesses?

Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration due to changes in the body that occur with ageing, including decreased thirst sensation and decreased renal perfusion (Picetti et al. 2017).

Poor blood circulation, less efficient sweat glands and overall reduced tolerance to sudden or prolonged temperature changes are also age-related risk factors (NIH 2018; Better Health Channel 2015a).

Other reasons why older adults are more likely to experience hyperthermia include:

  • Being more likely to take medications that cause fluid loss or altered thermoregulation (e.g. diuretics, some heart and blood pressure drugs);
  • Having certain chronic conditions including heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes and mental illness;
  • Living alone or being socially isolated (meaning they have reduced access to heat-health messages and may have nobody around to help if symptoms occur);
  • Poor hydration literacy;
  • Difficulty recognising dehydration symptoms;
  • Cognitive impairment causing forgetfulness, physical difficulty with drinking, dysphagia or communication issues (meaning the older adult is unable to express their need for water); and
  • Impaired mobility.

(DEA 2016; Aged Care Guide 2020; SA DoH 2013)

A 2013 study found that while 38% of surveyed older adults had experienced hyperthermia symptoms during recent heatwaves, only 3% were concerned about their health (SA DoH 2013).

hyperhtermia medicine
Older adults may be taking medications that cause fluid loss or altered thermoregulation.

Causes of Hyperthermia

Causes of hyperthermia include:

  • Dehydration;
  • Being in environments with reduced airflow (e.g. poorly ventilated or confined areas);
  • Sun exposure, particularly on hot days;
  • Being in hot and crowded environments; and
  • Bushfires.

(Better Health Channel 2015a)

Factors that may contribute to hyperthermia include:

  • High humidity;
  • Strenuous activity or high exertion in the heat;
  • Acute illness (e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory infection);
  • Poor physical fitness;
  • Being significantly underweight or overweight;
  • Alcohol; and
  • Wearing non-breathable clothing.

(CDC 2017; NIH 2018)

Types of Hyperthermia

Illness Description Symptoms Treatment
Dehydration A reduction of fluid present in the systemic circulation causes the heart to work harder to sustain adequate perfusion to vital organs.
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fainting
  • Urine that is dark or bright yellow
  • Move the client somewhere cool or air-conditioned
  • Increase fluid intake (water or diluted fruit juice)
  • Consider using a spray bottle to cool the client down
Heat rash Skin irritation due to excessive sweating.
  • Red clusters of pimples or small blisters, usually on the neck, upper chest, groin, elbow creases or under the breasts
  • Move the client to a cool area
  • Keep the irritated area dry
  • Unperfumed talcum powder may increase comfort
  • Ointments and creams should be avoided as they increase moisture
Heat syncope Sudden dizziness or fainting caused by vasodilation, which reduces blood flow to the brain (heat causes increased blood flow to the skin and legs).
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Move the client to a cool area and lay them down
  • Increase fluid intake (water or diluted fruit juice)
Heat cramps The tightening of muscles in the arms, legs or stomach, generally caused by a loss of salt and water during strenuous activity in a hot environment.
  • Muscle pains and spasms
  • The client should stop any activity and lie down somewhere cool with their feet raised
  • Increase fluid intake (water or diluted fruit juice)
  • Consider a cool shower or bath, massaging the limbs or using cool packs
  • The client should wait a few hours before starting strenuous activity again
Heat oedema Swelling in the ankles or feet caused by exposure to heat.
  • Swelling
  • The client should lie down somewhere cool with their feet raised
Heat exhaustion A serious type of hyperthermia caused by loss of blood volume from excessive sweating. It may progress into heat stroke if untreated.
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heart rate and respiration
  • Hypotension
  • Heat cramps
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
 See below
Heatstroke A medical emergency where the core body temperature is more than 40°C. Body systems may begin to shut down.
  • Dysfunction of the central nervous system (e.g. seizures)
  • Severe fatigue
  • Headache
  • Heat syncope
  • Facial flushing
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Dry, hot skin, possibly with no sweat
  • Dysrhythmia
  • Hypotension
  • Rapid respiration and acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Hypoglycaemia and hyperkalaemia
 See below

(Better Health Channel 2015a; NIA 2016; QAS 2017; NSW DoH 2013)

Clients may also experience an exacerbation of other existing conditions. This is the most common effect of hyperthermia (Better Health Channel 2015a).

First Aid for Severe Hyperthermia (Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke)

hyperthermia first aid

In the case of an emergency, the priority is to cool the client down (QLD DoH 2017).

  1. Call for medical help immediately.
  2. Move the client from the heat source to a cool, shaded area, lay them down and keep them as still as possible.
  3. Remove the client’s excess clothing.
  4. Either:
    • Place the client in a cool shower;
    • Spray the client with cool water from a hose; or
    • Wrap the client in a cool, wet sheet and vigorously fan them.
  5. Use cool packs under the client’s armpits, on their groin or on the back of their neck.
  6. Monitor the client’s body temperature, continuing to cool them until they reach below 38°C.
  7. If the client is cooled too quickly, they may become hypothermic. Stop cooling the client if they shiver, feel cool to the touch or peripherally shut down.
  8. Give the client small sips of fluid, only if they are conscious and you are confident they can swallow properly.
  9. If the client is unconscious, place them on their side and clear their airway. Perform CPR if the client is unresponsive.
  10. Do not administer paracetamol or aspirin.

(QLD DoH 2017; QAS 2017; NSW DoH 2013)

It is important to note that the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke may be similar. However, one significant difference is that a client with heatstroke may have dry skin and not be sweating (Better Health Channel 2015).

Practical Tips for Caring for Older Adults in Summer

The following tips will help prevent clients from experiencing hyperthermia on hot days:

  • Take note of the weather and take appropriate precautions if the temperature is over 30°C. Temperatures of over 37°C are particularly dangerous.
  • Make sure the cooling systems in the home or facility are operating correctly.
  • In addition to water, ensure other fluid options such as jelly, ice-cream or fruit juice blocks are available for clients.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed in hot weather.
  • Ensure clients’ rooms are at a comfortable temperature and have adequate ventilation.
  • Small amounts of fluid should be given regularly, rather than large amounts given less frequently.
  • Avoid giving clients caffeinated or alcoholic beverages on hot days.
  • Provide frequent, small meals. Consider cold options such as salad and fruit.
  • Encourage clients to wear lightweight, loose, clothing (preferably made from natural fibres) and help them keep their skin covered if they go outside. Ensure wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are worn.
  • Discourage clients from going outside between 11am and 3pm and limit outdoor activity.
  • Offer clients sponging or tepid showers.
  • Review clients’ medications during summer months to determine whether there is any increased risk of hyperthermia.
  • Ensure you have access to a working phone in the case of a power failure. Ensure clients’ safety alarm pendants will also work if a power failure occurs.
  • Ensure metal mobility aids or equipment are kept in the shade so that clients do not get burnt.
  • Check for symptoms of hyperthermia.
  • Seek immediate medical help if a client deteriorates.

(DoH 2020; Better Health Channel 2015b; Baptcare 2017)

glasses of water

Conclusion

Older adults are at increased risk of hyperthermia. Keeping your clients safe during summer is essential, as heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.

Additional Resources


References

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