kin 312 exam 2: heat illness

heat balance factors

metabolic heat production

conductive heat exchange

convective heat exchange

radiant heat exchange

evaporative heat loss

metabolic heat production

our normal body functions produce heat (core temperature)

increases with exercise (unfit, overweight, heavily muscled)

conductive heat exchange

physical contact with a surface can cause heat loss or gain

convective heat exchange

body heat can be lost or gained depending on the temperature of the air or water

heat loss is 2/4 times greater in water than in the air of the same temperature

radiant heat exchange

radiant heat from the sun increases body temperature

evaporative heat loss

sweat glands in the skin allow water to be transported to the surface where it evaporates, taking heat with it

heat syncope

fainting caused by over exposure to heat

heat syncope moi

peripheral vasodilation

blood pools in extremities

common if standing around in the heat

common if immediately stop an intense activity without cooling down

predisposing factors of heat syncope

unacclimated

standing in place in heat

immediately stopping after intense activity

dehydration

gi illness

diarrhea

vomiting

s/s of heat syncope

dizziness

nausea

tunnel vision

fainting

pale and sweaty skin

body temperature not elevated

treating heat syncope

laying down in cool area

elevate legs

drink fluids

exertional heat cramps

involuntary muscle spasm

loss of electrolytes and fluids

predisposing factors of exertional heat cramps

excessive sweat loss

electrolyte loss/imbalance

dehydration

vomiting

diarrhea

gi illness

s/s of exertional heat cramps

involuntary muscle spasms

treating heat cramps

water

electrolytes

ice

stretch

massage

IV

exertional heat exhaustion

salt depletion + water depletion → dehydration + decrease blood plasma volume → decrease cardiac output

predisposing factors for heat exhaustion

dehydration

diarrhea

vomiting

inadequate fluid replacement

heavy sweat rates

gi illness

electrolyte loss

non-acclimated

s/s of exertional heat exhaustion

fatigue, weakness

dry mouth, thirst, headache

dizzines

fainting

“collapse” bc physical exhaustion

sweating

decrease urine volume

nausea, vomiting

loss of appetite

weight loss

rapid and shallow breathing

rapid pulse

decrease blood pressure

*slight decrease in mental status

*core temperature higher than 104

treating heat exhaustion

rest

fluids and electrolytes

cooling for comfort (removing from heat, clothing, place in cold tub, apply ice)

follow up with physician, IV

exertional heat stroke

overloading or failure of our thermoregulatory system

heat buildup via the environment and metabolic heat production exceeds the body’s ability to dissipate the heat

our core temperature increases to an unsafe level and our body overheats “hyperthermia”

when our body over heats, we’re unable to continue activity

examples of exertional heat stroke

medical emergency

our systems begin to shut down

organ damage

cns damage

death

predisposing factors heat stroke

high temperatures, humidity, solar radiation, and low wind

older athletes

obese athletes

not acclimated

no rest periods

untrained/unconditioned

fever

athletes with sunburn, skin infections/rashes

lack of sleep

dark, heavy, non-breathable clothing

heavily muscled athletes

s/s of exertional heat stroke

core temperature >104

altered consciousness

confusion

dizziness

headache

disorientation

rapid pulse

decrease blood pressure

rapid breathing

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

dehyrdration

weakness

unsteady gait

decrease sweating?

treating exertional heat stroke

maintain ABC’s

ems

rapid cooling in ice water

I.V

hyponatremia

low concentration of sodium in the blood

low sodium can lead to coma, pulmonary/ cerebral edema, or even death

predisposing factors for exertional hyponatremia

excessive sweating

excessive sodium loss

inadequate dietary sodium

over indulgence of water

s/s of hyponatremia

altered mental status

disorientation

confusion

incoordination

exhaustion

weakness

nausea

vomiting

headache dizziness

muscle twitching, tingling, sensation

swelling of hands and fingers

seizures, DIB

coma, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest

treating hyponatremia

oral salt intake

caution with IV

preventing heat illness

identify athletes at risk: large muscle mass, higher body fat, out of shape, fever, past medical history

prevention

educate

replace fluids regularly

replace electrolytes

weigh in/out

appropriate uniforms

ensure adequate sleep

allow 7-10 days for acclimatization

allow appropriate time for activity