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Hospital seeing higher number of patients for heat-related illnesses

Hospital seeing higher number of patients for heat-related illnesses
Hospital seeing higher number of patients for heat-related illnesses
Posted at 7:09 PM, Jun 16, 2016
and last updated 2018-07-24 21:30:15-04

A Waco hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients going to the emergency room with heat related illnesses this week.

In the past few days, six patients have visited the ER at the Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Medical Center for a heat related illness. This week a heat advisory is under effect with the heat index ranging between 105 and 110 degrees.

Staff Emergency Physician and Medical Director for the Hillcrest Medical Center Emergency Department Dr. Randy Hartman said heat exhaustion and heat strokes are the main concerns when patients go to the emergency room.

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating and nausea. Heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, can cause nausea and lack of sweating. The person can also experience stroke-like symptoms like confusion, according to Dr. Hartman.

"Everyone at this time of the year is susceptible to heat-related emergency. You may be a very healthy individual but you may be mowing the lawn, doing some extra work outside. You may not think to drink enough water to stay cool and hydrated," Dr. Hartman said.

He said those who are working outside, such as construction workers and athletes need to be cautious.

"If you're doing some athletic training and you're spending prolonged period of times outdoors. Make sure that you're staying hydrated. Staying in the shade, staying cool and make sure that any supervisors are well educated and aware of the symptoms of a heat related emergency,” Dr. Hartman said..

Other hospitals News Channel 25 reached out to did not have an increase in the number of patients being treated for heat-related illnesses, including Providence Healthcare Network in Waco. The Metroplex Hospital in Killeen had one patient treated in a heat-related case earlier this week. 

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