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February 3, 2012
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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

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Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 105°F (40.6°C) or higher. Signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke include:

  • Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds.
  • Convulsion (seizure).
  • Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
  • A rectal temperature over 104°F (40°C) after exposure to a hot environment.
  • Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety.
  • Fast heart rate.
  • Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
  • Skin that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or result in serious, long-term complications. After calling or other emergency medical services, follow these first aid steps.

SOURCE:
Healthwise

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Overview

Heat exhaustion: This condition often occurs when people exercise (work or play) in a hot, humid place and body fluids are lost through sweating, causing dehydration and overheating of the body. The person's temperature may be elevated, but not above 104 F (40 C).

Heat stroke: Heat stroke, also referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke, is a life-threatening medical condition. The person's cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, stops working and the internal body temperature rises to the point at which brain damage or damage to other internal organs may result (temperature may reach 105 F or greater [40.5 C or greater]).

Nearly 700 people die each year due to heat-related illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Avoid heat exhaustion by not engaging in strenuous activity in hot, humid environments; and stay hydrated as prevention is the key.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Causes

Heat exhaustion is typically caused when people who are not well adjusted to heat exercise or work in a hot, humid environment.

  • At high temperatures, the body cools itself largely through evaporation of sweat.

  • When it is very humid, this mechanism does not work properly.

  • The body loses a combination of fluids and salts (electrolytes).

  • When this is accompanied by an inadequate replacement of fluids, disturbances in the circulation may result that are similar to a mild form of shock.

Heat stroke may often develop rapidly.

  • Medical conditions or medications that impair the body's ability to sweat may predispose people to this problem.

  • Heat stroke happens in the following two ways:

    • The classic form occurs in people whose cooling mechanisms are impaired.

    • The exertional form occurs in previously healthy people who are undergoing strenuous activity in a hot environment.

  • Infants, children under the age of 4, the overweight, and the elderly are more likely to have this problem, as are those who are taking antihistamines and certain types of medication for high blood pressure, heart disease, or depression.

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Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke - Difference

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How did the doctor distinguish between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat Rash Overview

Heat rash is the generic group name for a number of skin problems that arise or worsen because of heat exposure or overheating. Common names for heat rash include prickly heat or miliaria. Other heat rashes include heat urticaria (hives) and sweat retention. Heat rash is prevalent in the summer months and particularly in humid climates. The condition usually is self-limited and resolves in hours to a few days without treatment. Rarely, it may be more severe requiring professional medical care.

Heat Rash Types (Miliaria)

Miliaria is the medical term for the heat related skin condition where tiny, pinpoint, pink to clear bumps form over a body area like the face or neck. It is caused when small sweat particles are trapped in the skin. This trapping of sweat may cause inflammation and itching around the sweat pores. Miliaria is very common in infants but may also occur in adults. This condition occurs especially after repe...

Read the Heat Rash article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke »

Heat illness is a major cause of preventable morbidity worldwide, especially in regions characterized by high ambient temperatures.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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