We know certain medicines accentuate the risk of heat-related illness, but how exactly? Oftentimes sweat-or the lack of it-is to blame. Heat-Related illness and Body Thermoregulation Other medications that interfere with temperature regulation and cause heat sensitivity include antihistamines, beta-blockers and amphetamines, as reported by. Diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazideĪn article in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics point to diuretics as a significant risk factor for heat-related illness, especially when combined with an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), anticholinergics and psychotropics.Īccording to, medications for enlarged prostate and overactive bladder, including tamsulosin, oxybutynin and tolterodine, may also diminish the body’s ability to cool itself, putting seniors at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.Tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones and thiozanthenes.Psychotropics such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine.The key is to understand the risks associated with your medications and take appropriate measures to stay cool during a heat event.Īccording to the CDC, heat-related illness may increase among those who use the following medications: Still others increase sweating which can lead to dehydration. Others lower blood pressure, which can increase the likelihood of fainting in extreme heat. This is especially important during extreme heat since certain medications are known to increase the risk of heat-related illness.įor example, some medications reduce sweating, preventing the body from cooling naturally. Many older adults take prescription medications, but do not fully realize the impact medications can have on body temperature regulation. Medications are meant to help us manage chronic health conditions and relieve unwanted symptoms, yet sometimes create unwanted side effects. Medications with Thermoregulatory Effects Under ordinary conditions, the human body can cool itself by sweating, but extreme heat may rise body temperature too fast, putting older adults in danger of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.Ĭhildren and adults aged 65 and older are most at risk for heat stroke, but people taking certain medications are also at a disproportionate risk. As a result, older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Sweat gland shrink and become less sensitive with age. Age-related changes to the skin can cause poor blood circulation. That’s because, as we age, the body’s natural defenses against heat are compromised, increasing our risk of heat-related illness and hyperthermia.Īs we get older, it becomes harder to regulate body temperature. The extreme heat in Florida during the summer months can be especially challenging for older adults. Namely, the summer heat index and threat it poses to older adults. Unfortunately, there is also a downside to living so close to the equator. In addition to the tax advantages and abundance of outdoor activities, Florida has delightful warm weather for eight months out of the year! There are many reasons why older adults flock to Florida in retirement.
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