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Stages of Heat Illness and Treatment
Author : Jason White, Certified Athletic Therapist Category : Exercise and Fitness
Warm and sunny weather provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities. However, care must be taken to avoid heat-related injuries and illnesses. Heat illness is a common, yet preventable, problem for those who exercise, play sports, or spend time outdoors in the hot and humid months. Anyone is susceptible to heat illness; however, elderly, overweight, and individuals who are not used to being in the heat should be monitored closely.
Types of Heat Illness:
· Heat Cramps
o This is the mildest form of heat illness and is commonly related to low sodium and chloride levels.
o Heat cramps should be treated by stopping activity and gently stretching and massaging the affected area
o The person should immediately consume a sports drink containing sodium.
The person can return to play when the cramp has gone away when he/she feels and acts like playing again.
The person can return to play when the cramp has gone away when he/she feels and acts like playing again.
· Heat Exhaustion
o This is a moderate heat illness that occurs when a person continues to be physically active after starting to suffer from heat stress.
o A few signs and symptom, but not limited to include dehydration, chills, dizziness, fainting, loss of coordination, profuse sweating or pale skin, stomach/intestinal cramps, persistent muscle cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
o Heat Exhaustion should be treated by moving the athlete to a shaded or air conditioned area and removing any extra clothing or equipment. The person should lie down with legs raised above heart level and should be cooled by fans and/or cold towels. If the condition does not improve rapidly, the athlete should be transported for emergency medical treatment.
The person should not be allowed to play again until all symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration are no longer present. Play or practice in the heat should be postponed until at least the next day and possibly longer depending in the severity of the heat exhaustion. If emergency medical treatment was received, the athlete should not be allowed to return without specific return to play instructions from the doctor.
The person should not be allowed to play again until all symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration are no longer present. Play or practice in the heat should be postponed until at least the next day and possibly longer depending in the severity of the heat exhaustion. If emergency medical treatment was received, the athlete should not be allowed to return without specific return to play instructions from the doctor.
· Heat Stroke
o Heat stroke is a severe illness that occurs when exposure to heat overwhelms the body’s cooling mechanism leading to soaring body temperatures that can result in permanent disability or death if left untreated.
o Some signs and symptoms are but not limited to include core body temperature that exceeds 104° F, altered consciousness, seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior, or decreased mental activity. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, hot dry skin, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and fast breathing.
o Heat stroke should be treated by calling 911 for transport to a local hospital. In the alternative, use fans, ice, or cold towels placed over as much of the body as possible.
The person should not be allowed to return until their doctor approves and provides specific return to play instructions.
The person should not be allowed to return until their doctor approves and provides specific return to play instructions.
It is easier to prevent heat illness than to treat it once symptoms develop
Dehydration of 1% to 2% of body weight can make a person feel badly and can decrease a persons performance. Dehydration of 3% can further impact physiologic function and increases the risk of more serious heat illnesses. Preventing dehydration is perhaps the most important factor in preventing heat illness.
Sports drinks are preferred over water since the carbohydrates in sports drinks provide energy and electrolytes (i.e. sodium and potassium) to encourage voluntary drinking and to minimize muscle cramps.
Tips for preventing dehydration:
Athletes can reach dehydration levels more quickly if they begin their workout dehydrated. They should not wait until they feel thirsty because at that time it will be too late.
· Daily adequate fluids: minimum of 2 litres/day (8cups.)
o 2-3 days prior to any events
· Before game or event:
o 1 hour prior: minimum of 8-16oz (1-2 cups)
o 15 minutes prior: 4-8oz (1/2 to 1 cup)
· During game or event:
o every 15-20 minutes: 4-8oz (1/2 -1 cup)
o Drinking excess may be need during hot and humid days
· After game or event:
o Should rehydrate as soon as possible, minimum of 16 oz
o weigh yourself and replace your weight loss with fluid (e.g., if you lose 1 lb, then drink at least 1 litre of fluid)
o refuel with carbohydrates
Dehydration is a main factor in causing heat illness!
