Women2Women - Summer 2017 - 36

Health2Wellness

s we are approaching the hot summer
months, with additional time to be
spent outdoors performing various physical
activities, I wanted to take the opportunity
to discuss a significant seasonal medical issue,
hyperthermia or heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is defined as increased core
body temperature with signs of neurologic
abnormality. With heat stroke, core body
temperature will normally range from
104 - 111.2F°, normal body temperature
being around 98.6F°. The diagnosis should
be suspected in the setting of high heat
situations, through either exertion or environmental factors. It occurs when the body
becomes too hot and its ability to regulate
its own temperature, called thermoregulatory
response, is overwhelmed and cannot operate
as expected. Extremes of temperature and
humidity make the body less efficient at this
task. Unfortunately, as you can see, this could
easily occur with increased outdoor activities
on a hot summer day.

3 types:

1. CLASSIC HEAT STROKE:
occurs in sedentary, often elderly or debilitated persons under high heat stress
conditions. Onset can be over several days.
2. EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE:
occurs in active, often young people,
under conditions that produce heat stress
through physical exertion or environment.
Onset is very rapid.

3. HEAT EXHAUSTION:
mild form of heat illness. Neurologic
abnormality is absent.
36 Women2Women Summer 2017

If sweating has stopped, this could be an emergency
and should be treated quickly at a medical facility.
What does heat stroke look like?
In the setting of high heat situations:
* Often noted for increased core body
temperature >104F°.
* Neurologic abnormalities often present
ranging in severity from confusion to coma.
Typically confusion, agitation, irritability
or decreased coordination (ataxia) will be
present. These factors distinguish heat
stroke from mild heat exhaustion.
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting
* Anxiety and agitation
* Dizziness
* Muscle tenderness (myalgias)

What do I do if I feel that I may
have a heat related illness?

First, you should remove yourself or loved
one away from the heat source. In mild illness,
treatment should then revolve around ways
to help the body dissipate heat. These can
include removing clothes, wetting skin and
making certain that the body is still sweating.
If sweating has stopped, this could be an
emergency and should be treated quickly at a
medical facility. ANY person who shows signs
of neurologic abnormality, as listed above,
should be transferred to a medical facility for
further assessment and management.
In more significant cases, managed at a
medical facility, more aggressive cooling
measures may be taken. These can include
cooling air blankets, ice baths, and cooled IV
fluid administration. The goal is to decrease

body temperature as quickly as possible, as
long term heat stroke can lead to organ damage.

Can I possibly prevent this
from happening?

Absolutely. As the summer begins, we
should become cognizant of the temperature,
humidity and the amount of time that we
are spending outside. It is always a good
idea to stay hydrated, drinking clear fluids
throughout the day. Regular fluid intake
will help the body in its task of thermoregulation. Breaks from heat exposure should be
taken frequently if extended time outdoors
is expected. Please check on elderly relatives,
friends and neighbors regularly. Wearing
breathable clothes and regularly applying
sunscreen is also recommended... we want
to also guard against sun burn, but that's a
topic for another day.
As always, if there are any questions about
the topic of heat stroke, you can ask your
medical provider or schedule an appointment
with our group in Robesonia; we are never too
busy for new patients. Have a safe summer. n
By Dr. Robert Mandel
Penn State Health
St. Joseph in Robesonia.
Dr. Mandel is trained
for general family
medicine, but also
has an interest in
sports medicine.



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