Heat Concerns for Ostomates
Summer Fluid Needs

Summertime is a time of increased physical activity and weather extremes. We can prevent life-threatening heat related injuries, such as the deaths from the heat wave Chicago experienced in 1995, by taking small precautions.

Risks:

• Being out in the full sun.
• An unusual amount of physical exertion.
• High humidity.
• Working or standing near furnaces or ovens.
• Recent flu or high doses of water pills.
• Decreased thirst sensation leading to lowered fluid intake.

The process by which your body fights heat:
During this process, extra fluids are needed to keep your important organs from being deprived.

• You perspire losing salt and water.
• Your body brings the circulation near the skin to release heat and cool off.

Early signs of trouble:

• Dark, odorous urine.
• Profuse sweating.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Signs of serious trouble:

• Trembling or vomiting.
• Headache or rapid breathing.
• Pale, hot and/or dry skin.
• Confusion.
• Lack of appetite.
• Dizziness.

Treatment:

• Go to the shade.
• Lie down with your feet up.
• Apply cold water to your body; i.e., cover yourself with soaked towels.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Call your doctor if the symptoms are not relieved in a few minutes.

Prevention:

• An ileostomy requires two to four more cups of fluid each day because of high liquid output.
• Drink fluids before going out to summer activities.
• Favor water, fruit or vegetable juice, and sport drinks, over alcohol and or caffeine beverages.
• Choose cold drinks.
• Bring liquids with you and take frequent sips.
• Drink ten glasses of water each day, and even more if you have an ileostomy or urostomy.
• Stay in the shade.
• Wear loose clothing, especially loose at your neck, wrist and ankles.
• Keep your shirt on in the sun.
• Don't self-prescribe salt pills, although ileostomates should maintain adequate salt intake.