Three heat-related illnesses you need to know
It's important to differentiate between different heat-related illnesses. "Heat exhaustion is not life threatening for the most part, whereas heat stroke is, so assessment is extremely important," says Edward Otten, MD, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati and president of the Wilderness Medical Society, based in Indianapolis.
Heat exhaustion. Dehydration is the major concern with heat exhaustion. "A patient may have been cutting the grass and been sweating and not been able to keep up with the loss of fluids," says Otten. "They may be dizzy and nauseated, or cold and clammy. That's mainly a water loss, so if you put an IV in them and put them in a cool place, they usually do fine."
Heat cramps. Patients who have been drinking enough water but not eating may not be getting enough salt. "As a result, their muscles get cramps, often in the legs and back," says Otten. "Salt tablets usually aren't necessary. If the patient is not vomiting, give them Gatorade with a little salt in it."
Heat stroke. Heat stroke is often mistaken for other conditions, such as seizures, meningitis, or encephalitis. "Cocaine overdose can look exactly like heat stroke," says Otten. "You have the same change in mental status and tachycardia."
Look for an increase in liver enzymes. "If you have a temperature of 107°F or 108°F, the urine starts getting dark colored. If your CPK is elevated, that is also a poor prognostic sign," says Otten. "The enzymes in liver start to break down because they can't tolerate such a high temperature, and the brain reacts the same way."
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