Access to Better Care - A service of AOM Healthcare Solutions
Access to Better Care - A service of AOM Healthcare Solutions
By Lynn Thompson RN
Prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures results in loss of body fluids and a rise in core body temperature. This may cause heat exhaustion, which left untreated leads to heat stroke.
This can occur at any age but is more common in babies and elderly people. It can occur due to prolonged exposure to high atmospheric temperature (direct exposure to sun is not necessary) or due to heavy manual work in a high temperature, high humidity environment. Pre-existing chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease can be predisposing factors, increasing susceptibility to heat related illnesses.
In a hot environment, the body loses heat by diverting blood to the skin and by sweating. This produces cooling by evaporation. Profuse sweating may lead to excessive loss of fluids and salts, resulting in heat exhaustion. This condition is rarely serious if treated. However, if exposure to heat continues, the body’s normal cooling mechanism breaks down and internal body temperature rises, resulting in a heat stroke. Heat stroke can prove to be a life-threatening emergency.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke most commonly occur in environments above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). High humidity increases the risk of heat stroke because sweating is ineffective and heat loss is decreased.
Heat cramps, also known as stoker's cramps and fireman's cramps, are painful involuntary contractions of large muscles of the arms, legs and trunk. They appear in people who work in hot, humid places, lose much water by copious sweating (normal response of body to environment) and drink water to replace that lost in perspiration. These patients are NOT dehydrated but have electrolyte deficiency.
Removal from hot, humid environment, oral fluids and electrolyte replacement will usually relieve heat cramps.
This abnormal condition is marked by weakness, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and fainting. It is caused by low levels of body fluid and salts resulting from exposure to intense heat or the inability to adjust to heat. Body temperature is near normal; blood pressure may drop but usually returns to normal as the person is placed in a lying-down position; the skin is cool, damp, and pale. The patient IS dehydrated. The person usually recovers with rest and replacement of water and salt.
A severe and sometimes fatal condition that results from the failure of the body to regulate its temperature. This is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or to high temperatures. Lessening or lack of sweating is an early symptom. Body temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, fast pulse rate, hot and dry skin, headache, confusion, blackouts, and convulsions may occur. Fluid and body sodium depletion are classic signs of heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke may affect otherwise healthy people, particularly after physical exertion in a hot weather. People who come from temperate climates and travel to the tropics need time to acclimatize to the heat before they can safely exert themselves.
The body’s cooling mechanisms are less efficient in babies and elderly people, making them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol dependence and chronic heart failure, all decrease the body’s ability to lose heat. Diarrhea may contribute to dehydration and increase the risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
After prolonged exposure to hot conditions, the following symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop:
If exposure to heat continues, the body temperature rises and heatstroke may develop, causing symptoms such as:
Left untreated, heat stroke may progress to coma. Death may result due to kidney failure, acute heart failure, or direct heat induced damage to the brain.
Heat exhaustion can be treated easily. The affected person should rest in a cool place, ideally in an air- conditioned building, and sip cool, salty drinks until he or she feels comfortable. If heat stroke is suspected, he or she should be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible.
Once in the hospital, an examination is done, and blood tests are done to assess the level of salts in the blood.
Treatment of heat stroke is usually carried out in a critical care unit. Body temperature is lowered by sponging with tepid water or loosely wrapping the person in a wet sheet and placing him or her near a fan. Intravenous fluids are given. Once the body temperature has been reduced to 100 degrees F (38 degrees C ), these cooling procedures are stopped to prevent hypothermia from developing. The patient is continuously monitored to make sure that the body temperature returns to normal and that the vital organs are functioning normally. In some severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be required to help breathing. Most people with heat exhaustion recover in a few hours if they are moved to a cooler place and fluids are gradually replaced. If heat stroke is treated promptly, most people usually recover after a few days of bed rest, although their body temperature may fluctuate for several weeks afterwards.
Heat-related disorders can be largely prevented by avoiding strenuous exertion in the heat of the day, spending as much time as possible in the shade, consuming large quantities of liquids, and avoiding alcoholic beverages. Diabetics and people with heart disease or other pre-existing conditions should take special care to avoid becoming overheated in summer weather.
Club ABC is a free program for all of our customers. Find out about all the great benefits and offers specifically for those who have registered their Club ABC Membership Number online. If you have not received a Club ABC Membership Kit, please contact Customer Care and we will be happy to profide you with one.
Visit AOMHS.com and register today!
©2008 AOM Healthcare Solutions.