Understanding Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Treatment, and Safety
School
Charleston Southern University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
GNED 111
Subject
Nursing
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
10
Uploaded by LieutenantSnake4832
How does Heat ExhaustionAffect outdoor activities Lydell, Nareg, Olena, Kimberly, Anthony
Heat ExhaustionWhat is Heat Exhaustion? Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration. It is less severe than heat stroke but requires prompt attention to prevent progression. Some symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and a weak pulse. Heat Exhaustion is often caused by overexertion in high temperatures. Lydell StephensYamashita, (2023)
Signs, Symptoms, and TreatmentKimberly Olmos In order to identify heat exhaustion you need to know the signs -Sweating heavily -Feeling dizzy -Fainting -Raised body temperature -Tired or lethargic -Thirsty Identifying these signs on a player is important to know because it can lead to a heat stroke that is life or death Signs Symptoms that one may feel when having heat exhaustion are -Headaches -Weaknees -Nausea and vomiting -Rapid pulse -Poor concentration-Anxiety The reason one can have these symptoms is due to the fact that the body does not have enough water and high heat Symptoms What to do when you diagnosis that an athlete is going through heat exhaustion is -Move the athlete to a cool shady part -Lay them down with legs supported slightly up -Get them water -Cool them down with ice, a fan, A/C, spray them with water -Put ice under the neck, armpits Doing this can allow the person body to cool down and not turn into a heat Treatment overnment of South Australia
Department Of Public HealthNareg KadehjianThe California Department Of Health helps schools by giving them advice on how to handle the extreme heat. Some advice they give to keep students safe is to keep them indoors for as long as they can and to drink lots of water. Schools are also told to always keep watch on students for signs of heat sickness. Some early signs of heat sickness to watch for is excessive sweating, cramping, feeling dizzy, and having a raise in body temperature. These types of guidelines help students and other people stay safe in the heat.
Restoration of ThermoregulationAnthony●Thermoregulation: the biological mechanism responsible for maintaining a steady internal body temperature○The thermoregulation system includes the hypothalamus, sweat glands, circulatory system, and skin●It is important to make sure that you have items or an environment that will help you with thermoregulation while in a heat environment○Cooling methods such as water immersion, application of ice, cold air exposure, and hydration, and heat acclimation■On the topic of heat acclimation: “Heat acclimation provides an important thermoregulatory advantage to those individuals, who by the nature of the activity they perform, are exposed to high heat stress conditions” (Kenny, 2017).■“Although local and whole body cooling has been employed to provide thermoregulatory benefits (i.e., reducing body heat storage) when performed before, during, and/or after high-intensity interval exercise, it has also been shown to enhance recovery of muscle function following endurance exercise” (Kenny, 2017).●Understanding the thermoregulatory process is crucial in preventing heat exhaustion during sports and outdoor activities
Restoration of ThermoregulationAnthony
Heat StrokeWhat is Heat Stroke?Heat stroke is a severe and potentially fatal heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, causing the internal temperature to rise above 104°F (40°C).Difference from Heat Exhaustion:Heat exhaustion: Body struggles but still regulates heat.Heat stroke: Body’s cooling mechanisms completely fail, leading to life-threatening conditions.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCLpviZUi7s
Causes●Prolonged exposure to high temperatures.●Strenuous physical activity in hot environments.●Dehydration and lack of electrolyte replenishment.Risk Factors:○Age (children and older adults).○Pre-existing health conditions.○Activities in extreme heat or humidity.○Highlight: Outdoor athletes, construction workers, and hikers are at higher risk.Causes and Risk Factors○Key Symptoms:●High body temperature (>104°F).●Hot, dry, or clammy skin (may not always sweat).●Confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, or unconsciousness.●Rapid heartbeat and breathing.●Seizures in severe cases.
Physical Impairments:●Sudden collapse due to overheating.●Muscle damage and long-term health effects Cognitive Impairments:●Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes.●Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.●Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.).●Acclimate to hot environments gradually.Impact on Outdoor ActivitiesExamples:●Marathon runners collapsing due to heat stroke.●Outdoor workers requiring medical evacuation.Prevention:Confusion and poor decision-making, increasing risks of accidentsEmergency Response:●Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area.●Cool the body with ice packs or wet towels (focus on neck, armpits, and groin).●Call emergency services immediately.
ReferencesKenny, Glen P., and Ryan Mcginn. “Restoration of Thermoregulation after Exercise.” Journal of Applied Physiology (1985), vol. 122, no. 4, 2017, pp. 933–44, https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00517.2016.Health, Department of Public. “CDPH Extreme Heat Guidance for Schools.” CDPHExtreme Heat Guidance for Schools,www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Extreme%20Heat%20 Pages/extreme-heat-guidance-for-schools.aspx.Accessed 6 Nov. 2024. ;Yamashita, N., Kume, M., Satake, T. et al.Subjective perceived risk factors of exertional heat exhaustion–related symptoms in male collegiate athletes in Japan: a case-control study. Int J Biometeorol67, 649–659 (2023). https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.1007/s00484-023-02442-2https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/protecting+your+health/environmental+health/healthy+in+the+heat/heat-related+illness+signs+symptoms+and+treatmentChristian K Garcia, Liliana I Renteria, Gabriel Leite-Santos, Lisa R Leon, Orlando Laitano - Exertional heat stroke: pathophysiology and risk factors: BMJ Medicine 2022; https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000239