How to help your patients manage the summer heat

As we approach the heart of summer, temperatures continue to rise, and people are spending more time engaged in outdoor activities. People look forward to days by the pool, beach, picnics, and ballgames, but summer also brings more challenges for patients with various health conditions. The sweltering heat can be particularly demanding for patients with heart-related issues, diabetes, and cancer. 

As patients stop by the pharmacy to grab sunscreen along with their monthly refills, they may need a refresher on the precautions to take while coping with the inevitable heat waves. 

For example, pharmacists may want to tell their clients that staying adequately hydrated is key to managing summertime health struggles. Proper hydration not only assists the heart in pumping blood more efficiently but may also improve the overall efficiency of muscles. 

Continue reading to learn more about how pharmacists can support patients in adapting to the summer heat.

The effects of heat and hot weather on the body

During summer’s heat, the body attempts to maintain a healthy temperature by sweating, which helps regulate our internal temperature. However, when the body is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, it may begin to experience heat stress, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Certain factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic diseases like asthma or heart disease, may increase an individual’s risk of heat-related illnesses.

When a person becomes overheated, their internal temperature may rise above the normal range (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which may cause a series of health problems. 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dehydration, headaches, a fast but weak pulse, and dizziness. A body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher could indicate heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. 

Patient populations at high risk of problems from heat

Specific individuals face a higher risk of experiencing health issues due to extreme heat. These populations include older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions. According to the CDC, more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. 

And as a secondary risk, the warmer temperatures can also lead to higher ozone levels, which cause further health complications for at-risk groups.

Groups of people that may have increased heat-related risks may include:

• Older adults, or those 65 years and older, may be at higher risk due to physiological changes that come with aging and chronic medical conditions that can alter the body’s ability to respond to heat.
• Infants and young children depend on others to regulate their environments and keep them hydrated.
• People who are overweight or obese have excessive body fat that can insulate the body and disrupt heat loss and lead to quicker overheating.
• People with physical disabilities may not be able to regulate temperature, move, or change clothing due to disabilities.
• People who work outdoors or in hot environments have a higher exposure to heat and may be unable to cool off when necessary.
• Athletes or individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity because intense exercise can generate heat within the body and cause dehydration.
• Pregnant women as pregnancy may alter the body’s ability to regulate heat.
• People who are socially isolated or economically disadvantaged may not have access to air conditioning or may be unable to afford the costs of running it when needed.
• People with certain genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or ectodermal dysplasia, where sweat glands are dysfunctional or absent because they make it difficult for the body to cool down.

Pharmacists, aware of the potential underlying factors, can educate patients susceptible to heat-related problems. They are in a unique position and have the expertise to provide valuable advice about managing health conditions, recommend various strategies to keep cool, and guide patients in recognizing the early signs of heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related health problems

Summer heat can cause various health problems ranging from mild to severe. Let’s go over some of the most common heat-related health problems your patients may encounter. 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and even unconsciousness. 

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke, but still, something to avoid. It can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced fluid intake. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea.

Heat rash

Heat rash, or prickly heat, is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It presents as small red bumps on the skin and usually occurs in areas where clothing rubs against the skin. 

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, often due to sweating in hot weather. Symptoms may include thirst, dizziness, confusion, and dark urine. 

Sunburn

Sunburn is a common issue during summer heat waves, caused by overexposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Symptoms include red, painful skin, blisters, and even fever in severe cases. 

How heat can worsen certain conditions

Extreme heat can be dangerous for patients with chronic illnesses, as high temperatures may worsen certain medical conditions. For example, patients with heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses during hot weather. Overweight or obese individuals tend to retain more body heat, which can worsen their condition in the summer heat.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration and a loss of blood volume, which causes the body to struggle with pumping excess heat to the skin and out of the body. This results in higher core body temperatures that can harm a patient’s health and cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In addition, patients taking medications that increase their sensitivity to heat or interrupt their ability to regulate body temperature are at risk of health complications in hot weather.

Sunburns not only result in inflamed skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer, but they can also worsen underlying conditions. Sunburns add more stress to those with pre-existing medical conditions during hot weather by disrupting the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Heat and medications

Summer heat can also affect the storage and effectiveness of medications that are sensitive to high temperatures. Heat can change their chemical composition, rendering them less effective or even harmful to the patient. Patients taking certain medicines may also be more susceptible to heat-related issues like dehydration, heatstroke, or electrolyte imbalances.

Drugs that can potentially affect perspiration include:

• Beta blockers
• Anticholinergics
• Antihistamines
• Phenothiazines

Medications that can reduce thirst include:

• ACE inhibitors
• Butyrophenones 

Medications that might disrupt the body’s heat regulation include:

• Antipsychotics
• Stimulants
• Serotonergic drugs
• Thyroxine

Substances that could lead to dehydration or an imbalance in electrolytes include:

• Diuretics 
• Emetics
• Laxatives
• Alcohol

Heat-sensitive medications should be stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure their effectiveness. Pharmacists should also inform patients about possible heat-related side effects associated with their drugs. 

Practical tips pharmacists can provide for patients to manage heat

Pharmacists can offer helpful tips to help patients cope with hot weather conditions. Start with these five:

1. Stay hydrated: Remind patients to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Suggest avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to fluid loss. 
2. Keep cool: Encourage patients to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and, if possible, find air-conditioned spaces to rest and cool down. Keep a list of your community’s cooling centers so you can recommend them to patients without air-conditioned homes. Advise patients that when outdoors, they should wear lightweight and light-colored clothing made from breathable fabric. Suggest that patients also wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from direct sunlight.
3. Monitor health conditions: Patients with pre-existing medical conditions should take extra care during hot weather. Encourage them to regularly check their blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature and be aware of any unusual symptoms, such as nausea, muscle cramps, or dizziness. Advise those with a history of heart disease or heart failure to be careful of excessive heat, as it may amplify health problems.
4. Schedule activities: Recommend planning outdoor activities, such as exercise, gardening, or swimming, for the cooler early morning or late evening hours to avoid the peak heat of the day. 

Pharmacists can help patients stay safe and healthy during the summer months by knowing how to counsel them on heat-related precautions. Pharmacists can proactively communicate with patients about their medical history, medications, and practical hot-weather tips so patients can continue to enjoy the summer while maintaining their health.