MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With the air temperature just below 100 and heat indices just above, recent weather in the Memphis area made for a cruel official start of summer.
Dr. Rudy Kink with LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis said on days like this, many Memphians with breathing problems need to be extra cautious.
"Some adults with COPD [or] chronic bronchitis have to be really careful when it gets this hot," Dr. Kink said.
Dr. Kink said those most at risk are young people, older people and those with chronic medical conditions.
Kink adds that the most important thing people can do is stay hydrated, and there is an important indicator that determines whether you are hydrated or not.
“If you’re drinking and you’re going to the restroom every hour and a half, that’s pretty good hydration. If you’re not going in this heat, that means you’re not hydrated," Dr. Kink said.
Perspiration is the body’s natural cooling system, and if you stop sweating on hot days, you are likely very dehydrated, according to Dr. Kink.
The doctor said other indicators of severe dehydration are fatigue, trouble breathing, accelerated heart rate and shortness of breath.
