Description The result of prolo...
Description
The result of prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, dehydration, or a failure of the brain to regulate the body's temperature. People that work in the heat, especially with high humidity, and do not drink enough fluids can experience heat exhaustion. If they do not get out of the heat and get appropriate treatment heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency and can lead to permanent brain and kidney damage. The conditions that increase the risk of this disorder are being very young or very old, obesity, other chronic health problems, not being used to working the heat, and drinking alcohol.
Symptoms
Confusion, lack of sweating, irritability, low blood pressure, high temperature (>104F), nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, headache, fainting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. It is important to rule out other causes of the elevated temperature and confusion, such as infection, medications, head injury, or substance abuse.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Temperature, Urine and serum toxicology screen, Blood cultures, Urine cultures
Specialists:
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. It is important to rule out other causes of the elevated temperature and confusion, such as infection, medications, head injury, or substance abuse.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Temperature, Urine and serum toxicology screen, Blood cultures, Urine cultures
Specialists:
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Treatment
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and therapy needs to be started as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Treatment includes: active cooling, intravenous fluids, correction of any body chemistry abnormalities, sedation, and hospitalization.