Heat-Related Injuries: Symptoms and Treatment
Heat-Related Injuries: Symptoms and Treatment
As we have been experiencing here in Charlottesville, the summer heat can be brutal. Heat-related injuries encompass a spectrum of conditions ranging from mild heat cramps and heat exhaustion to the life-threatening condition of heat stroke. Below are some symptoms of heat-related injuries and some basics on how we treat them.
Symptoms:
1. Heat Cramps: Characterized by painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen, often occurring during or after intense exercise.
2. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Core temperature may be up to 104°F (40°C) without central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.[1]
3. Heat Stroke: This is a medical emergency marked by a core temperature of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, CNS dysfunction (e.g., confusion, seizures, coma), and potential multiorgan failure.[1-2]
Treatment:
1. Heat Cramps: Managed with rest, rehydration with oral electrolyte solutions, and passive stretching of the affected muscles.[3]
2. Heat Exhaustion: Treatment involves moving the patient to a cool environment, ceasing physical activity, and rehydrating with isotonic fluids. Severe cases may require intravenous fluid replacement and evaporative or convective cooling.[1][3]
3. Heat Stroke: Immediate and aggressive cooling is critical. The Wilderness Medical Society recommends cold water immersion as the most effective method. If immersion is not feasible, apply ice packs to the neck, axillae, and groin. Supportive measures include stabilizing airway, breathing, and circulation, and intravenous hydration. Rapid cooling within 30 minutes significantly improves outcomes.[1][3-4]
Preventive measures include acclimatization, adequate hydration, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat.[1][3] Identifying at-risk populations, such as athletes and outdoor workers, is crucial for implementing preventive strategies.[1][5]
Heat-related injuries encompass a spectrum of conditions ranging from mild heat cramps and heat exhaustion to the life-threatening condition of heat stroke.
References
- Heat-Related Illnesses. Gauer R, Meyers BK. American Family Physician. 2019;99(8):482-489.
- Heat Strokes: Aetiopathogenesis, Neurological Characteristics, Treatment and Outcome. Yaqub B, Al Deeb S. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 1998;156(2):144-51. doi:10.1016/s0022-510x(98)00037-9.
- Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat-Related Illness: 2014 Update. Lipman GS, Eifling KP, Ellis MA, et al. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2014;25(4 Suppl):S55-65. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2014.07.017.
- National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses. Casa DJ, DeMartini JK, Bergeron MF, et al. Journal of Athletic Training. 2015;50(9):986-1000. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-50.9.07.
- Heat-Related Illness. Becker JA, Stewart LK. American Family Physician. 2011;83(11):1325-30.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns.