Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Definition and Overview
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Causes
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Diagnosis
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Treatment
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Self-Care at Home
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Medical Treatment
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Follow-up
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Prevention
- Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Prognosis
- Author and Editors
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Definition and Overview
Heat exhaustion: This condition often occurs when people are exposed to high temperatures especially when combined with strenuous physical activities and humidity. Body fluids are lost through sweating, causing dehydration and overheating of the body. The person's temperature may be elevated, but not above 104 F (40 C).
Heat stroke: Heat stroke, also referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke, is a life-threatening medical condition. The body's cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, stops working and the internal body temperature rises to the point at which brain damage or damage to other internal organs may result (temperature may reach 105 F or greater [40.5 C or greater]).
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 155 people died in 2012 as a result of extreme heat, down from 206 fatalities in 2011. An average of 119 people die each year due to extreme heat conditions in the U.S. Avoid heat exhaustion by not engaging in strenuous activity in hot, humid environments; and stay hydrated as prevention is the key.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Causes
Heat exhaustion is typically caused when people who are not well adjusted to heat exercise or work in a hot, humid environment.
- At high temperatures, the body cools itself largely through evaporation of sweat.
- When it is very humid, this mechanism does not work properly.
- If the body generates additional heat through exercise or strenuous work, the situation is worsened.
- The body loses a combination of fluids and salts (electrolytes).
- When this is accompanied by an inadequate replacement of fluids, disturbances in the circulation may result that are similar to a form of shock.
Heat stroke may develop rapidly.
- Medical conditions or medications that impair the body's ability to sweat may predispose people to this problem.
- Heat stroke happens in the following two ways:
- The classic form occurs in people whose cooling mechanisms are impaired.
- The exertion form occurs in previously healthy people who are undergoing strenuous activity in a hot environment.
- Infants, children under the age of 4, the overweight, and the elderly are more likely to have this problem, as are people taking antihistamines, diuretics (water pills), and certain types of medication for high blood pressure, heart disease, or depression.
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