May/June 2003
Page 6

Heat Concerns for Ostomates: Summer Fluid Needs

by Eileen Carter, RN/ET; via Worcester (MA) New Diversions

RISKS:

• Being out in the full sun.
• An unusual amount of physical exertion.
• High humidity.
• Working or standing near furnaces or ovens.
• Recent flu or high doses of water pills.
• Decreased thirst sensation leading to lowered fluid intake.

During this process, extra fluids are needed to keep your important organs from being deprived.

• You perspire losing salt and water.
• Your body brings the circulation near the skin to release heat and cool off.

• Dark, odorous urine.
• Profuse sweating.
• Difficulty concentrating.

• Trembling or vomiting.
• Headache or rapid breathing.
• Pale, hot and/or dry skin.
• Confusion.
• Lack of appetite.
• Dizziness.

• Go to the shade.
• Lie down with your feet up.
• Apply cold water to your body; i.e., cover yourself with soaked towels.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Call your doctor if the symptoms are not relieved in a few minutes.

• An ileostomy requires two to four more cups of fluid each day because of high liquid output.
• Drink fluids before going out to summer activities.
• Favor water, fruit or vegetable juice, and sport drinks, over alcohol and/or caffeine beverages.
• Choose cold drinks.
• Bring liquids with you and take frequent sips.
• Drink ten glasses of water each day, and even more if you have an ileostomy or urostomy.
• Stay in the shade.
• Wear loose clothing, especially loose at your neck, wrist and ankles.
• Keep your shirt on in the sun.
• Don't self-prescribe salt pills, although ileostomates should maintain adequate salt intake.

From Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook June 2002, via Inside Out On-line May/June 2003.