II. Pathophysiology
- Body response to excessive heat load
- Heat Stress is the most mild form on continuum to Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
- Heat Cramps, Heat Edema and Heat Rash are other mild manifestations of Heat Related Illness
III. Symptoms
- Heat-related discomfort
- Decreased Exercise tolerance
- Unacclimatized patients may experience more systemic symptoms, but core Temperature remains normal
IV. Signs
- Core Temperature unchanged (<38 C or 100.4 F)
- Contrast with Heat Exhaustion where core Temperature rises above 38 C (100.4 F) associated with systemic symptoms
- Contrast with Heat Stroke where core Temperature rises above 40 C (104 F), asssociated with altered consciousness
V. Management
- Move to shaded or cooler environment
- Maintain hydration
VI. References
- Salinas and Ruttan (2017) Crit Dec Emerg Med 31(9): 3-10
- Gauer (2019) Am Fam Physician 99(8):482-9 [PubMed]