Heat Intolerance
“My child or I don’t tolerate heat very well - how can we survive the summer?”
Managing Very Warm Weather
Traveling in the summer or going to a hot climate can be challenging for some people with mitochondrial disorders. There are several suggestions that may help to keep you cool.
Always make sure you are well hydrated. In hotter climates, your body will sweat more and you can lose fluids very quickly. This can make you dizzy and drop your blood pressure more quickly. Stay ahead of the dehydration and carry around a water bottle or sports drink to make sure you/ your child doesn’t lose too many electrolytes and fluids. If you have a central line (port or a broviac) for IV hydration or a g-tube, it may be wise to ask your doctor if you can do an extra bolus of fluid on days that will be spent outside in the heat. Prevention is key when keeping dehydration away! If you are unsure about whether you are dehydrated and need more fluids, always check with your doctor.
Signs of dehydration can include: thirst, dry lips, dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue, irritability, headache, urine begins to darken in color, urine output decreases. Severe dehydration can include: rapid breathing, rapid and weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, high fever, inability to pee or cry tears, disinterest in drinking fluid. This degree of dehydration requires medical attention.
If you will be out in the heat for any length of time, make sure there is air conditioning or shade within a short distance of where you will be. It can be dangerous for some people with mito to be out in the heat for prolonged periods of time and can cause the body temperature to rise to high levels. Access to air conditioning, fans, and shade are necessary for people to stay cool and for body temperature to remain normal. If you will be at a beach, rent a beach umbrella or make sure there is shade from a nearby tree.
Carry around a spritzer fan water bottle/fan combination.
You can buy these at amusement parks, beaches, or other stores like Wal-Mart. Fill up the water bottle with ice water before going out and use it to cool down. Kids especially like this on hot days and we found ourselves using it even for the healthy kids and adults because it cooled everyone down. The fan can be helpful as well.
Jump in a pool or take a swim in the ocean.
These are great ways of cooling down and can be fun too!
Take some ice packs with you and use them to cool down your body.
You can also buy a cool vest, which is a vest with ice packs built into the sides of it. These vests can be somewhat pricey and range between $130-160, but they do a good job of keeping some people cool. Some people have said they have gotten a discount if you state that you’re using it for medical purposes.
Wear sunblock and bring along a hat and sunglasses!
Good advice for anyone!