In multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system attacks the myelin on the nerves. This myelin is a protective coating that helps the nerves conduct better. After the myelin is damaged, the nerve has a more difficult time conducting signals properly. It is theorized that heat makes it even harder for the nerves to conduct the signals properly. Since the nerves are already in a damaged state, the last thing that an MS suffer needs is for heat to make the situation worse.
It is worth noting that not all multiple sclerosis sufferers are affected by heat sensitivity. If you are one of the ones not affected, you are definitely luckier than I am!
Things to avoid
If you are one of the heat sensitive multiple sclerosis victims, there are some things you should be conscious to avoid whenever possible. Some of these things are:
- Being outside on hot days
- Hot Showers
- Over Exertion
- Saunas
- Hot Tubs
- Illness that causes Fever
Essentially, the trick is to avoid doing things that elevate your core body temperature. Even a small rise in your core body temperature can trigger flare-ups of MS symptoms. The good news is that these flare-ups are usually temporary and pass on their own, after you give yourself time to cool down.
Increases in body temperature due to fever and illness are sometimes known to cause real exacerbations that are not temporary. They can be genuine flare-ups that cause a worsening of symptoms that may be permanent and be a true progression in the MS. This is, of course the worse thing for we MS sufferers as we certainly do not want a progression of our illness!
What Happens if You Overheat?
Since MS is so individual in different people, there is no specific set of symptoms that will be brought on by heat in every multiple sclerosis sufferer. Some of the typical symptoms that are reported are things like weakness, numbness, vertigo, body aches, blurred vision, tremors and even impaired cognitive function.
I know that I have personally been known to overdo it when working in the yard. On two occasions, I have found myself with the choice of falling or sitting down NOW. My muscles seem to just refuse to work, my body gets very weak and I also get very dizzy.
One of the early warning signs for me is when I’m outside in the summer, it’s 95 humid, Georgia degrees here in Atlanta, and suddenly I’m covered with chill bumps. About that time, I figure it’s time for me to take a break and cool off.
What Can I Do to Avoid This?
When you have MS, it is important that you do everything you can to avoid getting overheated. I’ll give you some ideas on how to remain more comfortable. When you’re at home, make use of the air conditioner or at least fans to help keep you cool. If you’re going out, try to choose places to go that are air conditioned and cool, such as shopping malls, grocery stores, restaurants and movie theaters. If you want to exercise, try to go swimming in a nice cool pool! That will allow you to exercise and still be kept cool.
When you know you’re going to be out in the heat, there are numerous things that you can do to help yourself stay cool. Take advantage of available cooling products such as cooling vests, cooling neck wraps and cooling bandanas. Also, try to wear seasonally appropriate, loose fitting, light weight clothing. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, especially cold, icy drinks.
Last, but not least, try to avoid exposure to illnesses that may cause you to have a fever and sickness. It’s not always easy to avoid sick people and you might not always be able to. Even so, you can do things to help. Two major things are to wash your hands several times a day and get an annual flu shot. The handwashing helps keep your hand free of germs that you might transfer to your face. And the flu shot??? Well, let’s just say you really need to try to avoid a nasty case of the flu!
Now, with all of this in mind, remember to take care of yourself and BE COOL!