Why could someone not handle the heat?

[horsepuller]

This is just a guess, but could he be drinking too much? This has become a problem in running marathons lately. People force fluids, then pass out or become debilitated. Under these conditions, medics often think heat stroke, provide more fluids, patient dies. See:

Water intoxication - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Triguy1]

Not withstanding any of the medical issues that all could be an issue. I would also say salt. I use this product for training and racing Ironman events. It makes a big difference in energy levels, muscle fatigue and cramping. I use it if I am going to work in the yard all day too. Work a try.

http://www.saltstick.com/

Jon

 

[sixdogs]

Let me clarify my earlier post since a number of tangents are creeping in. Lots of things could be happening but the man could be having a heart attack.

 

[hogheadCTD]

Sounds like heat stroke.

 

[texasjohn]

Am hoping OP will come back saying that medical attention has been sought. We know something is not right, but neither what it isn't nor what it is. This isn't a tractor we can guess about but a fellow needing medical help to regain his ability to work using his skills to best benefit.

 

[Jstpssng]

Let me clarify my earlier post since a number of tangents are creeping in. Lots of things could be happening but the man could be having a heart attack.

Sounds like heat stroke.

Good points made. However if you look at the OP's statement

It seems over the last couple years he can take the heat less and less. It has got really bad lately. Temps are 90-95 degrees and he is unable to do anything. He is drinking plenty of water and works like an ox all morning but about noon when it starts getting warm he becomes more or less useless. Right now we are not even doing work that could be remotely considered strenuous he can't even stand around in the heat and I would not even really call it heat. Around here it isn't hot unless it is over 100. Today I was comfortable and did not even drink a lot of water or think it was hot and he looked like he was about to pass out.*

you will see that this has evovled over time.

 

[tcreeley]

Bad lungs/asthma are a killer in the heat for some, always short of breath.

 

[powerpace]

This was my first thought, don't know anything about him but many legal or non-legal medications would have that side affect. Also energy drinks in excess would have that affect.

Energy drinks have a "crash" effect when they wear off. Expecially heightened when coffee is also taken about the same time. Caffeine high means a comedown hours later.
In defense of the person mentioned heat stress situations may cause problems later in life.

I had a heat stress episode in the Marine Corps and another while fighting a fire. Heat is not my friend now.

 

[SpringHollow]

He definitely needs to see a dr.

I easily get heat exhaustion to the point of lying on the ground hoping I did not pass out. I even was carrying bottles of water with me but drinking them made me feel sick too. Something like Gatorade would quickly make me feel better as it replenished my electrolytes. I did not want all of the sugar etc and I hate most sugar substitutes so I tried Ultima Replenisher. It works pretty well. When drinking it, I have not gotten real sick. I also try to stop and rest for a few minutes and let my body cool down when I notice I am over doing it. It seems like I reach a point of no return, where I exceed my body's ability to cool and heat rapidly builds up. And like others have mentioned, it seems like the more it happens, the easier it is for it to happen again.

Ken

 

[bdog]

Thanks for all the replies.

The last couple days were not as hot - only got to 80's. He did ok but sure seemed like he was sweating a lot more than everyone else. He is taking off work tomorrow to go see a doctor. Hopefully they will figure it out.

He is not on any medication or drugs and is not doing anything different that he can think of that would cause this.

He is basically eating and drinking more or less the same stuff as everyone else at work and they are all fine. Several of us are older, overweight, have asthma, etc and we are all fine. Definitely something wrong with this guy.