Describe the risks for hyperthermia and hypothermia in physically active people. What is the role of fluid support in prevention and treatment?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In hot, humid weather, sweat doesn't evaporate well because the surrounding air is already laden with water. In hyperthermia, body heat builds up and triggers maximum sweating, but without sweat evaporation, little cooling takes place. In such conditions, active people must take precautions to prevent heat stroke. To reduce the risk of heat stroke, drink enough fluid before and during the activity, rest in the shade when tired, and wear lightweight clothing that allows sweat to evaporate. (Hence the danger of rubber or heavy suits that supposedly promote weight loss during physical activity—they promote profuse sweating, prevent sweat evaporation, and invite heat stroke.) If you ever experience any of the symptoms of heat stroke, stop your activity, sip fluids, seek shade, and ask for help. Heat stroke can be fatal, young people often die of it, and these symptoms demand attention.

In cold weather, hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be as serious as heat stroke is in hot weather. Inexperienced, slow runners participating in long races on cold or wet, chilly days are especially vulnerable to hypothermia. Slow runners who produce little heat can become too cold if clothing is inadequate. Early symptoms of hypothermia include feeling cold, shivering, apathy, and social withdrawal. As body temperature continues to fall, shivering may stop, and disorientation, slurred speech, and change in behavior or appearance set in. People with these symptoms soon become helpless to protect themselves from further body heat losses. Even in cold weather, however, the active body still sweats and still needs fluids. The fluids should be warm or at room temperature to help protect against hypothermia.