Should I Take Salt Tablets During Hot Weather
Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to do this is through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when you exercise or work in the heat.
Whats Hot In Pd If You Are Dizzy Or Passing Out It Could Be Your Parkinsons Disease Or Parkinsons Disease Medications
Over many years of clinical practice, I have seen many Parkinsons disease patients visit the emergency room or clinic because of dizziness and/or syncope . In most cases, the obligatory cardiac evaluation finds no underlying factor. Many patients are referred to a vestibular physical therapist, someone who specializes in gaze and gait stabilization, to fix vertigo however, this approach is useful for few patients. Most patients actually have orthostatic hypotension, which can be a manifestation of Parkinsons and made worse by Parkinsons medications.
Orthostatic hypotension is common in PD and affects 15 to 50% of patients. It has been defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of greater than 20 mmHg, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of greater than 10mmHg within 3 minutes of changing to a standing position. Dr. Jankovic and colleagues at the Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence in Houston, TX, recently published information about orthostatic hypotension in a large series of PD patients. They reviewed the records of 1,318 patients and found that symptomatic orthostatic hypotension occurred in 81% of patients with multiple system atrophy, in 18% of PD, and in 19% with non-multiple system atrophy atypical parkinsonism. They found that orthostatic hypotension occurred in older patients with more advanced PD, and longer disease durations.
Orthostatic Hypotension Treatments
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The Heart Of The Matter: Cardiovascular Effects Of Parkinsons Disease
It has long been understood that Parkinsons disease does not just cause movement symptoms, but also causes a litany of non-motor symptoms with effects throughout the body. One of the organ systems that is affected is the cardiac system, encompassing the heart, as well as the major and minor blood vessels. I received this topic as a suggestion from a blog reader and we will be discussing this important issue today. Please feel free to suggest your own blog topic.
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Acute Effects Of Body Warming On Heat Shock Proteins
Transcription of HSP mRNA, an essential step before protein translation, is primarily regulated by Heat shock factor protein 1 as part of the Heat Shock Response . HSF-1 activation involves a complex series of regulatory events, including nuclear localization, oligomerization and acquisition of HSEDNA binding, ultimately resulting in the transcription of HSP mRNA in response to the thermal and physiological challenge . Sufficient mRNA transcription then leads to increased protein within the stressed cell.
Examination of extracellular changes in HSP70 during acute exercise-heat stress in humans has identified that the endogenous requirement for extracellular HSP70 release may be a core body temperature mean of > 38.5°C for 56 min, alongside moderate exercising intensities . Although changes may occur more rapidly if exercise intensities are higher . Both the change in and final core body temperature attained are relevant to extracellular HSP70 release and indicate achieving substantial elevations in thermal parameters is important when administering exercise-heat exposures to increase thermotolerance in whole-body models.
What Is Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.
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How To Prevent Heat Intolerance
Prevention is always the best treatment. If you are on any of the medications known to increase the risk of heat intolerance, take extra precautions before you head outdoors:
- Carry water with you and drink it regularly to stay hydrated.
- Wear a hat to keep excess sun off of your body.
- Avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors during the heat of the day.
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
- Avoid exerting yourself too much when its hot.
When in doubt, drink a glass of water and sit down for a minute indoors. If your symptoms dont subside quickly, it may be time to seek medical treatment. Be sure to keep a list of medications you are currently taking handy so that your treating physician can respond appropriately.
What Should I Do If I Have Heat Cramps
If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps:
- Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
- Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
- Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.
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Four Ways To Reduce Body Temperature Changes As You Age
If your heat and cold intolerances are age-related, Dr. Koncilja recommends the following:
Stay hydrated: As we age, our thirst reflex diminishes, too. Thats why its important to drink plenty of liquids, no matter the weather.
Watch the weather: Pay attention to the heat index in the summer and wind chill factor in the winter. When the heat index is above a certain number, local health departments will issue warnings for older adults and small children, notes Dr. Koncilja. Its important to have access to shade. And know where to go in a heat wave if you dont have air conditioning, such as a gym, school, church or another resource in your city or county.
Build muscle: You can build muscle at any age. Use resistance training as training for your everyday life. It makes a difference for body temperature regulation .
Dress for success: In warm weather, wear light, cotton clothing. In cold weather, choose warm materials like wool. Wear gloves and hats that cover your ears. Frostbite is common in older adults, and it can happen quickly, adds Dr. Koncilja. Footwear matters. Get warm socks and good quality, warm boots or shoes.
Responses To Active And Passive Heat Therapy In Healthy Adults
Physical activity and exercise have long been identified as mechanisms of inducing physiological stressors and subsequent positive adaptations in healthy and chronic disease populations. Unfortunately, those with increasing disease severity or diseases that challenge their motor control capabilities may be physically incapable of performing such beneficial exercise. Heat therapy has recently been targeted as a potential vehicle to evoke these positive thermal-induced adaptations in those precluded from undertaking exercise. Experimental investigations, large cohort surveys and reviews have expressed the potential for passive heating to improve physical and mental health in patients with cardiovascular disease , diabetes , peripheral arterial disease , and depression .
While there is a myriad of beneficial physiological and molecular effects of active and passive heating, this review will primarily focus specifically on the outcome of HSP expression, for its potential to influence proteostasis in neurodegenerative disease. For active and passive heating to be effective in increasing HSP expression, the minimum exposure requirements to elicit a desirable response in HSPs, from both acute and chronic exposure, needs to be identified.
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Cold Weather And Parkinsons Symptoms
If you find your Parkinsons disease symptoms are worse in cold weather, youre not alone. Many members on MyParkinsonsTeam note greater stiffness, pain, and other symptoms during the winter months. Parkinsons disease impacts a persons ability to regulate body temperature, which makes some people with PD more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
Winter weather is extremely unpleasant for some members on MyParkinsonsTeam. This winter when the temperature dropped to , I experienced greater pain, stiffness, freezing, and slowness, one member posted. It was so overwhelming I could not find any remedies except five blankets. The pain was surprising.
Several other members mentioned that cold temperatures can cause or worsen pain related to Parkinsons disease. I get cold very easily and I shiver, a member wrote. Because I am stiff it actually hurts to be cold. Others agreed, My back and neck are excruciatingly painful, more so than usual.
Cold weather can also exacerbate Parkinsons tremors. One member commented, I have found that my shivering to stay warm makes my tremors worse. Another MyParkinsonsTeam member added, I also struggle with the cold now. It brings on my tremor, so I always have to stay warm.
Some MyParkinsonsTeam members didnt know about the impact of cold on PD until other members raised the issue. I thought I was alone with my symptoms, a member wrote in response to a question about cold weather.
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What To Expect From Parkinsons Disease And Skin
People with Parkinsons disease can experience a variety of skin symptoms. Not everyone who has Parkinsons disease develops all of the skin effects or has them to the same degree.
It is important that you talk to your doctor if you develop these symptoms and that you get treatment to make you feel more comfortable. In general, having more severe skin symptoms is associated with progression of Parkinsons disease.
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Do Some Drugs Increase The Risk
Yes – but people should keep taking their medication as normal and need to make more effort to stay cool and hydrated.
Diuretics – sometimes called “water pills” – increase the amount of water the body expels. They are taken widely, including for heart failure. In high temperatures, they increase the dangers of dehydration and imbalances in key minerals in the body.
Antihypertensives – which lower blood pressure – can combine with the blood vessels that are dilating to cope with the heat and cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Some drugs for epilepsy and Parkinson’s can block sweating and make it harder for the body to cool itself.
And other drugs such as lithium or statins can become more concentrated and problematic in the blood if there is too much fluid loss.
Tips For Coping In Hot Weather
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors many of us will need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- if going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance in line with social distancing guidelines
- follow coronavirus social distancing guidance and wash your hands regularly
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
- if you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice
- Remember that while coronavirus restrictions are in place, you will need to follow government guidance to use public spaces safely
For more information visit GOV.UK: Heatwave Plan for England.
If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house thats affecting your health or someone elses, get medical advice.
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If You Know Someone Who Has Parkinson’s
If your friend, relative or neighbour has Parkinson’s, it’s especially important to check on them regularly during very hot weather.
Think about arranging to visit, or call or text your loved one regularly. It can give you both peace of mind. There are other ways you can help if you are local – you could offer to do someones shopping for example.
What Should I Do If I See Someone With Any Of The Warning Signs Of Heat Stroke
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water place the person in a cool shower spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose sponge the person with cool water or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
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How Can I Prevent A Heat Illness What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Heat Illnesses
Heat illnesses are very preventable. Use the following simple steps to keep yourself from getting overheated:
- Drink water every 15 minutes when working or exercising in a hot environment, even if youre not thirsty. If you need to be out in extreme heat , drink a total of two to four glasses of water each hour.
- Take periodic rest breaks in the shade, a cool area or air-conditioned space.
- When working or exercising outside in hot, humid weather, wear a hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored cotton clothing.
- Do not drink alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine.
- Avoid going outdoors for activities or exercise when the temperature and humidity are high.
- Wear sunscreen. A sunburn reduces your bodys ability to cool down. It can also dehydrate you.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outside.
- Avoid eating a hot, heavy meal.
- Pace yourself. Rest often.
- Monitor your urine output. If you urinate too much you could have a heat illness.
Remember that your body needs electrolytes, not just water. You can get electrolytes from common sports drinks, or powders you can add to your water. Choose an electrolyte drink or solution thats low in sugar.
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How Parkinsons Disease Affects The Autonomic Nervous System And The Heart
In PD, there are two major reasons why the automatic control of the cardiac system is impaired. First, areas of the brain that control this system often contain Lewy bodies and have undergone neurodegeneration. In addition, the autonomic nervous system itself is directly affected by Lewy body-like accumulations and neurodegeneration. This means, when the baroreceptors in the heart and carotid artery sense a drop in blood pressure and try to generate a signal to the heart and blood vessels to increase the blood pressure, the message may not get through. This results in neurogenic orthostatic hypotension , or drops in blood pressure upon standing due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no medications that can cure nOH by restoring the autonomic nervous system in PD. nOH however, can be treated. Read more about nOH and its treatments here.
Structural problems of the heart such as coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy are not thought to be part of the pathology of PD, although of course, could co-exist with PD.
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How Effective Are Electric Fans In Preventing Heat
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.
What Are The Primary Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability . Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinsons.
It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Not everyone with Parkinsons disease has a tremor, nor is a tremor proof of Parkinsons. If you suspect Parkinsons, see a neurologist or movement disorders specialist.
Tremors
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How Do Seasons Affect Parkinsons Disease Prescriptions
Not only do seasons affect the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, but they also affect medications prescribed to treat Parkinsons.
One study examined three elements of the weather and the impact on Parkinsons disease symptoms and medications: temperature, ultraviolet light, and relative humidity. The researchers believed that weather might cause Parkinsons patients to present with increased symptoms, leading to seasonal adjustments in levodopa equivalent dose .
Researchers sourced data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Bureau of Meteorology in Australia using 23 years of monthly time. They found that the prescribed LED was 7.4% greater in January and 8% lower in July . Statistical analysis of linear and non-linear models showed that temperature was associated with prescription of Parkinsons medications for every 1% increase in temperature, there was a 0.18% and 0.13% increase in LED dose respectively.
Although temperature and ultraviolet light are highly correlated, neither model reported a statistically significant relationship between ultraviolet light and LED. However, scientific literature suggests that changes in ultraviolet light will have a delayed effect on Parkinsons disease because UV light is reported to affect Parkinsons through its synthesis of vitamin D.
How Can I Stay Safe In The Heat
The UK Health Security Agency has some tips:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep cool, such as older people, those with underlying conditions and and those who live alone
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
- Drink plenty of fluids and don’t drink too much alcohol
- Don’t leave anyone, especially babies, young children and animals, in a locked vehicle
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are strongest
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