Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.
Wayne County – Heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion, breathing problems, dehydration, fainting, outdoor injuries, burns
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatrician
“We’re seeing kids coming in with asthma issues that have been exacerbated by the heat. Also, we’re starting to see the typical summertime ailments and injuries: broken bones, concussions and other injuries as kids play outside more. Also, we start to see burns from summertime bonfires: kids burning themselves on hot sticks or wires from roasting marshmallows or picking up a hot stick, burned feet from walking on hot coals or sticks, or falling into the fire or against something hot, like a grill.”
Dr. Daniel Taylor -- Detroit Medical Center chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“With the heat, we’re seeing aggravation of breathing issues: asthma, COPD. We’ve seen few patients with heat exhaustion – nothing double digits, but we’ve seen a few.”
DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital
“Although hyperthermia and heat stroke have not presented, we have seen an increase in dehydration, syncope (passing out) from dehydration and exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Our elderly population is particularly at risk. We are definitely also seeing an increase in respiratory complaints; asthma exacerbation is on the rise. And the excessive heat seems to be affecting people with alcohol abuse problems, who are coming in more frequently due to dehydration. Water and low calorie sports drinks or electrolyte-replacement drinks are recommended, particularly for those at risk – including the young, the elderly, those with medical conditions and people who work outside or in un-air conditioned spaces.”
Oakland County – Heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion, dizziness, outdoor injuries, hand foot & mouth disease, croup
Dr. Whitney Minnock -- Pediatric chief of emergency, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“We have seen a lot of orthopedic injuries lately. We have also treated a number of hand, foot, and mouth and croup cases this week.”
Dr. Jaimie Hope -- Medical director, Emergency Center, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Outpatient Campus – Livonia
“We are definitely seeing the heat’s impact on people with outdoor jobs and kids in camps/sporting activities being treated for heat exhaustion. Older patients and those receiving chemotherapy also struggle with the heat and may experience dizziness and lightheadedness. Hot weather can have an adverse effect on those misusing opioids and alcohol by impairing judgement related to staying hydrated and making decisions about getting out of the heat, particularly for those in vehicles/homes/work places without air conditioning. The same holds true for those who misuse alcohol.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week, I have seen a few patients complaining of overheating and dehydration. I want to remind people to wear breathable clothing, stay hydrated, wear and regularly reapply sunscreen, cover your head with a hat, and take regular breaks indoors or in a shady area.”
Washtenaw County – Heat-related illnesses, asthma & COPD flare-ups, outdoor injuries
Monroe County – Heat-related illnesses, heat stroke, dehydration, shortness of breath, fainting, COPD flare-ups
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
“During the heat wave, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center has been seeing an increase in patients with complaints of weakness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and fainting due to working outside.”
Macomb County – Heat-related illnesses, outdoor injuries, stomach viruses, nosebleeds
Dr. Stephanie Hernandez -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“The high volumes of orthopedic injuries have continued, with many of the broken and fractured bones resulting from falls. Cases of viral gastroenteritis have noticeably increased, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dry conditions have led to many patients experiencing nosebleeds significant enough that they require emergency care.”