Heat Exhaustion and Heat StrokeHyperthermia
by
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD DefinitionHeat exhaustion is when the body overheats when you are too active in hot temperatures. Heat stroke is a more severe illness that can be life-threatening. CausesBoth heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen under the following conditions:
Risk FactorsYoung children and older adults are at increased risk for heat exhaustion. Factors that may increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:
SymptomsSymptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
Symptoms of heat stroke may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests. Your heart activity may be measured. This can be done with an ECG.
TreatmentHeat ExhaustionTreatment for heat exhaustion includes:
Heat StrokeTreatment for heat stroke includes:
PreventionTo help reduce your chances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
RESOURCES:American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org References:Heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke. Updated February 2017. Accessed September 29, 2017.
Heat-related illnesses. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.... Updated June 29, 2016. Accessed September 28, 2016.
Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 8/26/2020 |
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