Summer in Texas means an increase in outdoor sports and activities. Unfortunately, it also means scorching temperatures. Put these two factors together and you run the risk of suffering from dehydration and heat stroke.
To better understand the dangers of dehydration and how to avoid them, A&M Systemwide spoke with Dr. James Rohack, chairman of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees and professor of internal medicine at The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center’s College of Medicine.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Heat exhaustion is the most common heat syndrome. Symptoms include weakness,
dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and faintness. The
onset is usually sudden and may precede collapse.
What effect can dehydration have on a person’s body?
Dehydration can cause damage to kidneys and muscles, and, in the severe case
of heat stroke, it can cause death.
How much water should people drink while being active outside
during the summer?
At least eight ounces of water for every 15 minutes of activity.
Is dehydration less of a problem while engaging in water-related
activities?
One cools down by the process of sweating, so being in a hot water environment
such as a spa or warm lake when one is dehydrated will cause heat exhaustion
more quickly.
Are sports drinks suitable substitutes for water?
Sport drinks provide glucose as well as sodium (salt). For vigorous activities,
sport drinks may be appropriate, but for simple fluid replacement, water
is preferred.
What effect can caffeine and/or alcohol have on the body when
a person is dehydrated?
Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and cause an increase in fluid loss
that worsens the dehydration.
This information is provided as a service by the Health Science Center. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.