Heat emergencies
Alternative names:
heatstroke
Definition:
Heat emergencies
fall into three categories: heat cramps, heat-exhaustion,
and heatstroke (or sunstroke).
Considerations:
Heat illnesses
are easily preventable--take necessary precautions in hot
weather.
Children, elderly, and obese
people are particularly at risk of developing heat illness.
However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb
to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.
Without intervention and resolution of the problem, muscle
cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy
sweating) can lead to heat-exhaustion (caused by dehydration)
which can lead to heatstroke (which can cause shock,
brain damage, and death).
Common causes:
- Cardiovascular
disease
- Dehydration
- Drug usage such
as amphetamines, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics
- Excess clothing
- Exercise,
prolonged or excessive
- High temperatures
or humidity
- Lack of acclimatization
- Sweat gland
dysfunction
- Alcohol
use
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
|
