Alcohol Consumption for Heat Stress
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of the drug ethanol for managing heat stress?
Research indicates that ethanol can influence body temperature regulation, as it has been shown to enhance hypothermia (lowering of body temperature) in certain stress conditions. However, ethanol also appears to impair normal heat dissipation mechanisms, potentially leading to increased body temperature during heat stress.12345
Is alcohol consumption generally safe for humans?
Research on animals suggests that alcohol can affect body temperature and heart rate, especially under stress or heat conditions. It may also impair the body's ability to cool down in hot environments and can lead to hypothermia in cold conditions. These findings indicate potential safety concerns when consuming alcohol in extreme temperatures.15678
How does the drug ethanol differ from other treatments for heat stress?
Ethanol is unique in its potential to exacerbate heat stress by affecting body temperature regulation, as it can enhance hypothermia when combined with stress and increase hyperthermia during heat exposure. Unlike other treatments, ethanol's effects on heat stress are linked to its impact on metabolism and stress responses, which may not be typical for standard heat stress therapies.12379
What is the purpose of this trial?
Climate change has significantly increased the earth's average surface temperature and heat waves have been predicted to increase in frequency, intensity and duration. Extreme heat events have increased the susceptibility to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or death. Heat health action plans have been designed to advertise cooling behaviours to mitigate physiological strain. Heat health action plans suggest avoiding alcohol consumption during extreme heat as it may increase dehydration and impair behavioural or physiological temperature regulation and thermal perception. Regardless of these messages, alcohol sales continue to remain high during the summer months year after year, and 1/5 of adults identify alcohol as a hydration strategy during extreme heat events. A recent scoping review investigating the effects of alcohol and heat has demonstrated that acute alcohol consumption does not negatively influence thermoregulation, hydration, or hormone markers of fluid balance in the heat compared to a control fluid (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-024-01113-y). Further, alcohol consumption may elicit sex- and age-specific alterations in physiological and perceptual responses, neither of which have been explored.Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate how alcohol consumption systematically alters physiological responses and perceptions during conditions similar to those experienced indoors during extreme heat events in younger and older adults.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults who experience stress from COVID-19, are exposed to heat stress, and consume alcohol. It's not clear what specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are set for participants.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants consume either alcohol or a placebo beverage and are monitored for physiological and perceptual responses during heat exposure
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Ethanol
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Lakehead University
Lead Sponsor