Exertional Heat Illness
synonyms:heat stroke
Heat Illness ICD-9
Heat Illness Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History
- Heat stroke: 10% mortality
- Heat cramps may be related to dehydration, diet poor in minerals, large sodium/electrolyte losses in sweat.
Heat Illness Anatomy
Heat Illness Clinical Evaluation
- Heat cramps: muscle cramps, intense muscle pain.
- Heat Exhaustion: heat cramps with headache, weakness/fatigue, skin pale and moist, syncope, ataxia, incoordination, profuse sweating, no CNS changes.
- Heat stroked: Warm to the touch, no visible sweating, altered consciousness, coma, convulsions, disorientation, irrational behavior, irritability, confusion, combativeness. Tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea. Confusion, delirium and bizzare behavior are often first signs
Heat Illness Xray / Diagnositc Tests
- Heat stoke = Rectal temperature >104°
- Heat Illness Risk Assessment: best done with Web bulb globe thermometer (WBGT); <65°F(18°C)=low risk; 65°-73°F (18°-23°C)=moderate risk; 73°-82°F (23°-28°C)=high; >82°F(28°C)=Extreme risk.
Heat Stroke Classification / Treatment
- Heat Cramps: move to cool dry place, rehydrate with carbohydrate/electrolyte containing sports drink.
- Heat Exhaustion: loosen clothing, apply ice to axilla and groin, drink cool water, cool water sprays, prop legs up.
- Heat Stroke: IV fluids and cooling. Immediate immersion in an ice water bath is the quickest and most efficent method of cooling. Consider also: cool water sprays, fans, ice bags in groin/axilla/neck. Transfer to ER ASAP.
Heat Illness Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis
- Hyponatremia
- Stroke
- GI illness
Heat Stroke Complications
- Death: 10%
- End organ damage
- Hemodynamic collapse
Heat Illness Follow-up Care
- Prevention: maintain hydration, gradual acclimation to heat, avoid strenous exercise on high and extreme risk days.
- Heat stroke: no strenous exercise for at least 1 week with gradual return to activity after.
Heat Illness Review References
- Seto CK, Clin Sports Med 2005;21:695
- Smith JE, Br J Sports Med 2005;39:503
- Griffin LY, JBJS 2005;87:894
- °
|
|
