They may be taking diuretics, which are given for high blood pressure, or else the common allergy medications. These medicines amplify the effect of high heat and dehydrate the taker, causing dry mouth and inhibiting ability to sweat. This makes our seniors much more vulnerable to heat. Their kidneys may not be working well and they may not be sweating at all. According to the Census Bureau, there are 13,067 persons aged 85 years and older in Bexar County.
Extreme heat can make anyone sick.
Each year thousands of people nationwide are treated for heatstroke, which most frequently is caused by extreme dehydration. Symptoms include dry flushed skin, inability to sweat, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion and in some cases, loss of consciousness. Heatstroke can be fatal, so it is imperative to get the person out of the sun or hot area, apply a cold wrap if possible, give water and call 911. Other persons suffer heat exhaustion, which is milder than heatstroke and may precede it. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headache, clammy skin, rapid pulse, fast breathing, muscle cramps and thirst.