Description
A heat-related illness that is often caused by several days of exposure to elevated temperatures and dehydration. Patients experience a fast heart rate, hot flushed skin, and generalized weakness. If not treated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be very serious and life threatening. Risk factors for heat exhaustion include: dehydration, drinking alcohol, age less than 4 or greater than 65, being overweight, not being used to working in hot environments, and working in areas with high heat and humidity.
Symptoms
Hot, flushed skin, weakness, dehydration, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness (especially with standing), muscle cramping, headache.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: active cooling, fluids (by mouth or intravenously), correction of any body chemistry abnormalities, and hospitalization if necessary.