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Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms of Heat Stress

Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms of Heat Stress. Trent Teegerstrom University of Arizona In cooperation with Dr. H. Rosenberg University of California, Berkeley. Dehydration Cumulative Fluid % Body Wt. Time to Symptoms and

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Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms of Heat Stress

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  1. Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms of Heat Stress Trent Teegerstrom University of Arizona In cooperation with Dr. H. Rosenberg University of California, Berkeley

  2. Dehydration Cumulative Fluid % Body Wt. Time to Symptoms and Loss Reach* Effects Minor Dehydration 1.5 lb. (.75 L) 1% 1 hr Generally unperceived Incipient Stress 3.0 lb. (1.5 L) 2% 2 hr Begin thirsty, hot, minor discomfort Advanced Stress 4.0 lb. (2.25 L) 3% 3 hr Loss of energy, muscle endurance Heat Cramping 6-9 lb. (3-4 L) 4-6% 4-5 hr Impaired coordination, endurance. Less energy, strength. Fatigue, cramps. Heat Exhaustion 9-12 lb. (4-5.5 L) 6-8% 6-7 hr Headache, dizziness, nausea. Serious fatigue. Heat Stroke 11+ lb. (5+ L) 7+% 7+ hr High body temperature, confusion. Loss of consciousness. * based on a 150 lb. male performing moderately active work in hot weather and not drinking to replace fluids Heat stress effects if no fluid is replaced

  3. Health Effects of Heat Stress When heat gain exceeds the ability of the body to compensate through dissipation mechanisms, heat illnesses can result: • “Minor” • Heat rash, other skin ailments • Heat edema • Heat cramps • Heat syncope • Heat exhaustion • Major: Heat stroke

  4. Heat Rash - Prickly Heat • Acute inflammation of sweat ducts, blockage of stratum corneum ducts • May progress to chronic dermatitis with prolonged exposure • Secondary bacterial infection is common • Rx: 1% topical salicylic acid to desquamate skin

  5. Skin Diseases Associated with Heat Stress • Heat rash • Eczema • Psoriasis • Scleroderma • Cystic fibrosis • Sunburn

  6. Heat Edema • Swelling of hands and feet • Usually occurs in first days of exposure (most common in elderly after travel or after change from cool to hot environment) • Resolves spontaneously in days to weeks • May help to elevate legs

  7. Heat Syncope • Occurs most in unacclimatized individuals in early stages of exposure to high heat • May result in secondary injury from fall • Rx: Hydration, ventilation, rest

  8. Heat Cramps • Painful, involuntary, spasmodic muscle contraction • Most common in calves, thighs and shoulders • Induced by loss of fluid and muscular salt from exercise or strenuous work • Rx: Salt and water replacement • Rest in cool environment

  9. Heat Exhaustion • Develops over a few or several days • Salt and water depletion • Obscure syndrome, consciousness maintained • Non-specific symptoms • Dizziness/ weakness/ fatigue/ malaise • Lightheadedness/ nausea/ vomiting • Headache/ blurred vision • Orthostatic hypotension • Core temperature up to 104° F • Rx: Rest and volume/electrolyte replacement

  10. Heat Stroke • Classic triad • Hyperpyrexia (core temp > 105 F) • Central nervous system dysfunction • Anhydrosis (dry skin/ mucosa) • Profound dehydration • Denial of oxygen to brain • Cerebral edema is common • Get medical help immediately!

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