As we approach the summer months, we need to focus on the prevention and recognition of heat-related injuries. Heat-related injuries consist of a continuum of syndromes, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion:
- True medical emergency related to severe heat injury that carries a high mortality rate.
- Characterized by a core body temperature >104.9 degrees, the loss of the ability to sweat, and neurologic impairment, ranging from confusion to being obtunded.
- Types of heat strokes include non-exterional and exertional heat stroke.
Non-exertional Heat Stroke: - Those who are at greatest risk include the elderly, infants, the chronically ill, and individuals living in poverty.
- Symptoms develop gradually and usually occur during summer heat waves.
- Stressors may include lack of air conditioning, presence of cardiovascular disease, and lack of access to water and food.
Exertional Heat Stroke: - Usually affects younger individuals as a consequence of vigorous physical activity.
- Treatment of heat stroke is beyond the scope of this blog, but involves aggressive cooling measures, fluid and electrolyte administration, and treating end organ dysfunction and complications. In general, patients require ICU admission.
Jim Cretella, M.D.
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
St. David’s Urgent Care - Round Rock