In a heat wave, drink water, avoid alcohol and limit activity
Dr. Ryan Gibney highlights heat stroke and exhaustion symptoms, when to seek medical attention
IN THE NEWS: Temperatures are on the rise this week. That also raises the risk of heat illness, which can be deadly.
Dr. Ryan Gibney, emergency medicine physician and the director of the emergency department at UCI Health — Irvine when it opens in December spoke with KTLA Channel 5 and KNX 1070 about those who might be at greatest risk of extreme heat-related sickness.
“These individuals include elderly, small children, the unhoused and people who work or exert themselves outdoors.”
“Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature reaching more than 104 degrees, possible seizures, decreased sweat and urine output. [When that happens,] it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.”
He also spoke about why water is preferable for hydration over caffeine or energy drinks.
“I’m not opposed to a morning coffee, but water should be the go-to when out and about in extreme heat. If attending an outdoor event, I highly recommend avoiding alcohol. It can contribute to dehydration and increase the effects of heat exhaustion.”
Even electrolyte drinks should be consumed in moderation, he says.
“Water is my go-to. Many of the electrolyte drinks have a balance of salts and sugars, but they often end up making people feel thirsty. That’s why it’s important to also augment these drinks with plenty of water.”
Gibney is associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. His interests include projects related efficiency in clinical care and operations, hospital throughput and patient experience initiatives.
About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The 1,317-bed system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, its flagship hospital in Orange, Calif., the UCI Health — Irvine medical campus, four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and a network of ambulatory care centers across the region. UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to the only Orange County-based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).