HEAT EXHAUSTION or HEAT STROKE

(Sunstroke)

 Basic information

description

Heat exhaustion and the more serious heat stroke are conditions that develop when the body is unable to cope with heat. They are caused by a breakdown in the body's natural cooling system. Older adults and infants and young children are more often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Heat exhaustion:
  • Dizziness, nausea or vomiting, faintness, fatigue, 1thirstiness, or headache.
  • Skin that is pale and clammy.
  • Sweating.
  • Pulse may be rapid and weak.
  • Body temperature is normal or slightly increased.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • In some cases, the symptoms can develop over days.
• Heat stroke:
  • Often follows heat exhaustion and its symptoms.
  • Skin that is hot, dry, and flushed.
  • Typically, no sweating.
  • High body temperature.
  • May be hyperventilating (rapid breathing).
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Confusion.
  • Convulsions or loss of consciousness.

causes

• Heat exhaustion is due to the body's loss of fluid and salts (electrolytes). It occurs with extreme heat and excessive sweating without sufficient fluid intake.
• Heat stroke occurs when the body's cooling system (controlled by the brain) stops working. It may be preceded by heat exhaustion. Body temperature is high (over 105ºF [40.5ºC]). Types of heat stroke are exertional (from strenuous exercise in a hot environment) and nonexertional or classic (which can affect the sick, elderly, or very young persons during a heat wave).

risk increases with

• Elderly or very young.
• Hot, humid weather; heavy clothing.
• Poor health, mental illness, obesity, or chronic illness (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease).
• Exercise or work in a hot, humid location. This can be indoors or outdoors.
• Loss of body fluids—from sweating and failure to drink enough fluids.
• Certain drugs.
• Excess alcohol use or drug abuse.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing in hot weather.
• Drink water often; don't wait until you are thirsty.
• Drink extra water if you sweat a lot. If urine output decreases, increase your water intake.
• If you become overheated, open a window or use a fan or air conditioner. This helps sweat dry up, which cools the skin.
• Take precautions when going outside in hot weather.

expected outcomes

Expect full recovery from heat exhaustion. Heat stroke recovery depends on a person's health and symptoms.

possible complications

Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause damage to any major organ system (heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain) or may be fatal.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• For someone with symptoms of heat stroke, move person to a cool location out of the heat. Call 911 for emergency help. Wrap person in damp sheet or spray with cool water. If able, have person drink cool water.
• For someone who has symptoms of mild heat exhaustion, lie the person down in a cool place and loosen clothing. Apply cool water to skin. Give them cool water (not iced) to sip or a sports drink containing electrolytes. If needed, seek medical advice for proper care.
• Emergency medical treatment depends on severity of the symptoms. Special cooling techniques may be required. Fluids may be given through a vein (IV).

medications

Drugs are usually not needed for these disorders. Drugs may be needed for complications that develop.

activity

• Rest with legs elevated while symptoms are present.
• Normal activity may be resumed after 2 or 3 days.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of heat stroke, seek emergency care. This condition can be fatal.
• You or a family member has symptoms of mild heat exhaustion that cause concern.

Special Notes: