Heat Exhaustion Stroke

About Heat Exhaustion Stroke

Heat illness ranges from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to heat stroke, a life threatening condition. Heat exhaustion presents with heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, and body temperature up to 40C 104F. Heat stroke is defined by core body temperature above 40C 104F with central nervous system dysfunction confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness and is a medical emergency with substantial mortality; call your local emergency number. In exertional heat stroke, seen in athletes and military personnel, sweating may still be present. In classic non exertional heat stroke, seen in elderly during heat waves, skin is typically hot and dry. Risk factors include high ambient temperature, high humidity, direct sun exposure, dehydration, obesity, age extremes, certain medications anticholinergics, diuretics, beta blockers, and chronic medical conditions. Heat waves are among the deadliest weather related hazards. The 2003 European heat wave is estimated to have caused around 70,000 deaths. Treatment of heat stroke involves rapid cooling. Cold water immersion is the gold standard for exertional heat stroke. Other methods include evaporative cooling spraying water with fanning, ice packs on groin axilla neck, and cooling blankets. Cooling continues until core temperature falls to a safer level. Antipyretics such as paracetamol acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not effective in heat stroke. Prevention includes hydration, acclimatization, appropriate clothing, and limiting exertion during peak heat.