Heat illness: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Heat illness | |||
| image = [[File:Heat_stroke_treatment,_Baton_Rouge,_2016_Louisiana_floods.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Treatment of heat stroke during the 2016 Louisiana floods | |||
| field = [[Emergency medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Heavy sweating]], [[weakness]], [[dizziness]], [[nausea]], [[headache]], [[muscle cramps]] | |||
| complications = [[Heat stroke]], [[rhabdomyolysis]], [[kidney failure]] | |||
| onset = [[Hot weather]], [[physical exertion]] | |||
| duration = Hours to days | |||
| causes = [[High temperature]], [[high humidity]], [[dehydration]] | |||
| risks = [[Elderly]], [[young children]], [[athletes]], [[outdoor workers]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[symptoms]] and [[physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Infection]], [[medication side effects]], [[endocrine disorders]] | |||
| prevention = [[Hydration]], [[rest breaks]], [[cooling measures]] | |||
| treatment = [[Cooling]], [[hydration]], [[rest]] | |||
| medication = None specific | |||
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in [[hot climates]] | |||
| deaths = Rare with treatment | |||
}} | |||
'''Heat illness''' refers to a spectrum of disorders that occur when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature in response to heat exposure. These conditions range from mild, such as [[heat rash]] and [[heat cramps]], to severe, such as [[heat exhaustion]] and [[heat stroke]]. | '''Heat illness''' refers to a spectrum of disorders that occur when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature in response to heat exposure. These conditions range from mild, such as [[heat rash]] and [[heat cramps]], to severe, such as [[heat exhaustion]] and [[heat stroke]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Heat illnesses are caused by exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. They can also occur as a result of inadequate fluid intake, alcohol consumption, and wearing heavy clothing in hot, humid weather. | Heat illnesses are caused by exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. They can also occur as a result of inadequate fluid intake, alcohol consumption, and wearing heavy clothing in hot, humid weather. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe and can include: | Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe and can include: | ||
* [[Dehydration]] | * [[Dehydration]] | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
| Line 17: | Line 35: | ||
* [[Mental confusion]] | * [[Mental confusion]] | ||
* [[Unconsciousness]] | * [[Unconsciousness]] | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of heat illness involves taking steps to avoid overheating and to replenish fluids and electrolytes. This can include: | Prevention of heat illness involves taking steps to avoid overheating and to replenish fluids and electrolytes. This can include: | ||
* Drinking plenty of fluids | * Drinking plenty of fluids | ||
* Avoiding alcohol and caffeine | * Avoiding alcohol and caffeine | ||
| Line 26: | Line 42: | ||
* Taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas | * Taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas | ||
* Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day | * Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for heat illness depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can often be treated with rest, rehydration, and cooling. Severe cases, such as heat stroke, require immediate medical attention and can include measures to rapidly cool the body and provide supportive care. | Treatment for heat illness depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can often be treated with rest, rehydration, and cooling. Severe cases, such as heat stroke, require immediate medical attention and can include measures to rapidly cool the body and provide supportive care. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Heat stroke]] | * [[Heat stroke]] | ||
| Line 36: | Line 50: | ||
* [[Heat rash]] | * [[Heat rash]] | ||
* [[Dehydration]] | * [[Dehydration]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Heat illnesses]] | [[Category:Heat illnesses]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:37, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Heat illness | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps |
| Complications | Heat stroke, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
| Onset | Hot weather, physical exertion |
| Duration | Hours to days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | High temperature, high humidity, dehydration |
| Risks | Elderly, young children, athletes, outdoor workers |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms and physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Infection, medication side effects, endocrine disorders |
| Prevention | Hydration, rest breaks, cooling measures |
| Treatment | Cooling, hydration, rest |
| Medication | None specific |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment |
| Frequency | Common in hot climates |
| Deaths | Rare with treatment |
Heat illness refers to a spectrum of disorders that occur when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature in response to heat exposure. These conditions range from mild, such as heat rash and heat cramps, to severe, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Causes[edit]
Heat illnesses are caused by exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. They can also occur as a result of inadequate fluid intake, alcohol consumption, and wearing heavy clothing in hot, humid weather.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe and can include:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat
- Mental confusion
- Unconsciousness
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of heat illness involves taking steps to avoid overheating and to replenish fluids and electrolytes. This can include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas
- Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for heat illness depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can often be treated with rest, rehydration, and cooling. Severe cases, such as heat stroke, require immediate medical attention and can include measures to rapidly cool the body and provide supportive care.
