Heat-related illnesses can range from mild to life threatening. Exposure to heat can affect the fluid and electrolyte balances within the body and the body's heat-regulating mechanism. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing the signs and symptoms could save someone's life.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has had prolonged exposure to warm temperatures without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement. According to the "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum," during heat exhaustion, blood vessels dilate to disperse heat, causing fluids and electrolytes to be lost through sweating. In addition to sweating, people can lose fluids and electrolytes through diarrhea and the use of diuretics.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
A person with heat exhaustion may have nonspecific symptoms. Complaints may include headache, nausea and vomiting. He may also complain of muscle cramps, dizziness and a general feeling of discomfort. The "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum" says the person's temperature may be normal (98.6 degrees) or as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
"Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine" recommends that a person with heat exhaustion be placed in a cool environment and given cold water and salted fruit drinks. If the person is unable to drink, she will require intravenous fluid hydration by a medical provider.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. The person is no longer able to disperse heat because there has been a failure in the central heat regulating mechanism of the body. The longer the body temperature remains elevated, the more severe the situation becomes. According to the "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum," heatstroke commonly occurs when a person has prolonged exposure to environmental temperatures exceeding 102.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heatstroke Symptoms
Heatstroke will manifest itself with a sudden onset of symptoms. The person will have a body temperature greater than 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit, according to "Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care." The person's skin will be hot and dry, and sweating may or may not be present. The individual's arousability and response to stimuli may be altered, which may be followed by seizures.
Heatstroke Treatment
Because heatstroke is a true medical emergency, medical treatment should be initiated immediately. Cool the person as rapidly as possible by removing his clothing. Spritzing the person and cooling with a fan can help him cool off quickly. The use of ice packs in the groin and armpits also can cool a person quickly. These individuals will require intravenous fluid rehydration to correct the fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Other heatstroke complications can include heart arrhythmia, respiratory complications and bleeding disorders. Individuals with heatstroke should be hospitalized for close monitoring.
References
- "Sheehey's Manual of Emergency Care"; Elsevier Mosby; 2005
- "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum"; Saunders Elsevier; 2007
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine"; McGraw Hill; 2008
