John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Definition and Overview
Heat exhaustion: This condition often occurs when people are exposed
to high temperatures especially when combined with strenuous physical activities
and humidity. 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 body'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]).
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 155
people died in 2012 as a result of extreme heat, down from 206
fatalities in 2011. An average of 119 people die each year due to extreme heat
conditions in the U.S. Avoid heat exhaustion by not engaging in strenuous
activity in hot, humid environments; and stay hydrated as prevention is the key.
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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.
