Heat stroke: Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
[[File: | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Heat stroke | |||
| image = [[File:The_British_Army_in_the_Middle_East_1943_E26027.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Soldiers resting in the shade to prevent heat stroke | |||
| field = [[Emergency medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[High body temperature]], [[confusion]], [[headache]], [[dizziness]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[rapid heartbeat]], [[shallow breathing]] | |||
| complications = [[Seizures]], [[rhabdomyolysis]], [[kidney failure]], [[coma]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Hours to days | |||
| causes = [[Prolonged exposure to high temperatures]], [[strenuous physical activity]] in hot weather | |||
| risks = [[Dehydration]], [[alcohol consumption]], [[certain medications]], [[age extremes]] (very young or elderly) | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[symptoms]] and [[body temperature]] | |||
| differential = [[Heat exhaustion]], [[fever]], [[infection]], [[thyroid storm]] | |||
| prevention = [[Hydration]], [[acclimatization]], [[wearing appropriate clothing]], [[avoiding excessive heat exposure]] | |||
| treatment = [[Rapid cooling]], [[hydration]], [[hospitalization]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment, but can be fatal if untreated | |||
| frequency = Common in [[hot climates]] and during [[heat waves]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Heat stroke''' is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's heat-regulating system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. It is the most severe form of [[heat illness]], and requires immediate medical attention. | '''Heat stroke''' is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's heat-regulating system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. It is the most severe form of [[heat illness]], and requires immediate medical attention. | ||
<youtube> | <youtube> | ||
title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/HCLpviZUi7s | movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/HCLpviZUi7s | ||
&rel=1 | &rel=1 | ||
| Line 14: | Line 29: | ||
height=600 | height=600 | ||
</youtube> | </youtube> | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Heat stroke can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with [[dehydration]], which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system. Other factors that can contribute to heat stroke include wearing excessive clothing, strenuous physical activity, consuming alcohol, and certain health conditions such as heart disease. | Heat stroke can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with [[dehydration]], which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system. Other factors that can contribute to heat stroke include wearing excessive clothing, strenuous physical activity, consuming alcohol, and certain health conditions such as heart disease. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of heat stroke can vary, but may include: | The symptoms of heat stroke can vary, but may include: | ||
| Line 28: | Line 41: | ||
* Racing heart rate | * Racing heart rate | ||
* Headache | * Headache | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The goals of treatment are to lower the body temperature to a normal range as quickly as possible, and to manage symptoms and any complications. This may involve moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and using cooling methods such as fans or ice packs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The goals of treatment are to lower the body temperature to a normal range as quickly as possible, and to manage symptoms and any complications. This may involve moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and using cooling methods such as fans or ice packs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of heat stroke involves taking steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather. This can include drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight clothing, taking breaks in a cool place when outdoors, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. | Prevention of heat stroke involves taking steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather. This can include drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight clothing, taking breaks in a cool place when outdoors, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Heat exhaustion]] | * [[Heat exhaustion]] | ||
| Line 40: | Line 50: | ||
* [[Heat cramps]] | * [[Heat cramps]] | ||
* [[Heat rash]] | * [[Heat rash]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | [[Category:Emergency medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Heat illnesses]] | [[Category:Heat illnesses]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:18, 7 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 stroke | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | High body temperature, confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing |
| Complications | Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, coma |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Hours to days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, strenuous physical activity in hot weather |
| Risks | Dehydration, alcohol consumption, certain medications, age extremes (very young or elderly) |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms and body temperature |
| Differential diagnosis | Heat exhaustion, fever, infection, thyroid storm |
| Prevention | Hydration, acclimatization, wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding excessive heat exposure |
| Treatment | Rapid cooling, hydration, hospitalization |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment, but can be fatal if untreated |
| Frequency | Common in hot climates and during heat waves |
| Deaths | N/A |
Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's heat-regulating system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. It is the most severe form of heat illness, and requires immediate medical attention.
Causes[edit]
Heat stroke can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system. Other factors that can contribute to heat stroke include wearing excessive clothing, strenuous physical activity, consuming alcohol, and certain health conditions such as heart disease.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of heat stroke can vary, but may include:
- High body temperature
- Altered mental state or behavior
- Alteration in sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart rate
- Headache
Treatment[edit]
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The goals of treatment are to lower the body temperature to a normal range as quickly as possible, and to manage symptoms and any complications. This may involve moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and using cooling methods such as fans or ice packs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of heat stroke involves taking steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather. This can include drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight clothing, taking breaks in a cool place when outdoors, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
