The Healthy Blogger

The dangers of heat exhaustion

We are in a heat wave in southern England.  While some may be ecstatic with this heat, as it relates to tanning and such, I am at the other end of the spectrum.  So is my younger daughter.

I’ve had my say about the dangers of tanning as well as sun damage.  I’ve already mentioned my sun allergies with rashes and such.  But the big problem that public health officials would like to emphasise at this time, and rightly so, is heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

My younger daughter is susceptible to heat exhaustion.  Despite the fact that she is a big water-drinker, the heat wears her out.  Heat tends to make everyone rather lethargic.  Hence, the desire to sit or sleep under a tree.  My daughter complains of “not feeling well”.  This usually equates to stomachaches or nausea.  She does mention being “sick in the stomach”.  But, unusually, it leads to diarrhea.  Since heat exhaustion results from dehydration, diarrhea only worsens the dehydration.

Typical signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration are fatigue, headaches, nausea/vomiting, weakness, excessive sweating, paleness, and rapid pulse.  If not treated early and appropriately with fluids and electrolytes as well as cool air, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is especially dangerous.  Heat stroke has led to death, even in young healthy individuals. 

Heat stroke signs include confusion and coma, excessively high blood pressure and very rapid heart rate.  Other signs of heat exhaustion are intensified.  Those most at risk of heat stroke are infants, elderly and athletes who have to play in the heat.  Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

So, if you’re going to have your fun in the sun, take the necessary precautions with adequate sun protection and adequate and frequent hydration with fluids, especially those with some electrolytes.  I know if my daughter wears a hat, her susceptibility to exhaustion is reduced.  However, she usually recognises when it’s time to get indoors or to a cooler place.  For those who cannot recognise this, we should do our part to help them.

Menstrual headaches and menstrual migraines

I often get headaches for the few days surrounding my cycle, but I don’t believe I truly suffer from menstrual migraines.  Yet, I do believe that some of those headaches are migraines and a few may be related to the menstrual cycle.  However, I do not suffer from the regularity of true menstrual-related migraines.

Menstrual migraines are believed to be associated with the drop in estrogen that is seen at the end of a monthly cycle (and the beginning of menstruation).  It can start anytime from about 2 days before the flow of menses and end a few days after.  Migraine sufferers may only experience these headaches around their cycle, while others may have their migraines exacerbated by it.  Yet, inexplicably, others may experience migraines outside this relationship.

Symptoms of menstrual migraines are similar to any other migraines.  Some experience auras while others may not.  The headaches are usually one-sided, though it may spread to the other side, and are usually described as pounding.  The severity differs from individual to individual and episode to episode, but it can be quite severe.  Other associated symptoms, such as visual disturbances, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, and confusion may be present.

I do get migraines and most of the time, I get the nausea/vomiting/dizziness more than the headache.  It can be quite incapacitating.  These migraines are usually triggered by some kind of stress, but sometimes the only “stress” I can identity is the start of the cycle.  That is why I believe some of them are menstrual migraines.  However, because I do not get them every month, I do not consider myself one of those who have a true diagnosis of menstrual migraines. 

I make this clarification because in recent years, menstrual migraines have been getting public attention, especially when drug companies are trying to market medications for the treatment of such things.  I am not a pill pusher and do not like the idea of taking a pill for anything and everything.  However, I am not averse to taking some Tylenol for pain occasionally. 

I may not get migraines, but I often get headaches around my cycle.  I attribute this to the tightening in the muscles in my upper back and shoulders as a result of cramping.  I know this must be the case because I can feel the tension as I do neck exercises to work it out, or when I massage myself and can feel the pain in the muscles from the scalp down to the upper back and shoulders.  I just wish I had more willing masseurs.  It’s hard to reach back and give yourself a massage without causing other parts of your arm to go sore.

Headaches are common, but it’s surprising that menstrual migraines are also very common amongst women.  It may explain why migraines are much more common in women than in men.