The Heat is On: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather
Summer months bring higher temperatures, and the need for greater awareness about the potential effects of heat on your health. According to the National Weather Service, people with chronic medical conditions, those who take certain medications, live alone or have limited mobility can experience adverse effects during extreme heat events.
“Any stress tends to exacerbate the manifestations of dystonia,” explained DMRF Scientific Director, Joel S. Perlmutter, MD. “We now know that some of the genetically-mediated abnormalities involve heat shock proteins that could be influenced by extreme heat—but we are not sure whether any clinical research supports this at this time. This could be more relevant for TOR1A dystonia since this is the mutation that codes for one of the heat shock proteins.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following advice to protect yourself and your loved ones from extreme heat events:
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Carry a water bottle. Drink and refill it throughout the day.
- Consider limiting beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Check your urine color. When it’s light yellow or clear, it usually means you are drinking enough water.
Know the Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
- Muscle cramping
- Unusually heavy sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
Have a Plan for Your Medicine
Certain medications prescribed to dystonia patients can be heat-sensitive or increase the risk of heat-related illness. Anticholinergic agents (e.g., trihexyphenidyl, benztropine), antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, haloperidol) and some antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) can interfere with sweating and how the body regulates heat. The CDC advises the following:
- Don’t stop or change your medicines until you talk to your doctor.
- Have a plan for what to do with refrigerated medications and electronic medical devices if there is a power outage.
- Store your medicines properly—some may need to be kept out of hot places.
Staying Safe in the Sun
Summer is often a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but people with dystonia may be vulnerable to heat-related illness during a heat wave. Staying cool, hydrated, and storing medications properly can help reduce these risks.
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