Transcript Weather Related Illnesses - Brigham Young University

Weather Related Illnesses
Heat Related Illnesses
• Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat
and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake
can cause various types of heat-related illness.
Always remember that mild heat illnesses have the
potential of becoming severe life threatening
emergencies if not treated properly.
• An example of the bodies way of trying to get rid of
this heat is through sweating is one of the body's
normal cooling mechanisms.
Dehydration
This is a condition that occurs when the loss of body
fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken
in. With dehydration, more water is moving out of our
cells and then out of our bodies than the amount of
water we take in through drinking.
Sign and Symptoms:
•Increased thirst
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue
•Weakness
•Dizziness
•Palpitations (feeling that the
heart is jumping or pounding)
•Confusion
•Sluggishness fainting
•Fainting
•Inability to sweat
•Decreased urine output
First-Aid Treatment:
•Sipping small amounts of water or
carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing
drinks such as Gatorade.
•Sucking on popsicles made from
juices and sports drinks
•Remove any excess clothing and
loosen other clothing.
•Place a wet towel around the
person.
•Move the athlete into a cooler area.
Dehydration fun facts
o Hydration should begin at least 24-48 hours before
activity!
o Beverages that contain caffeine, i.e. coffee, some tea and
some sodas act as diuretics, increasing urine production and
promoting loss of fluids.
oWater has a profound effect on brain function and energy
levels. Even a slight dehydration can produce a small but
critical shrinkage of the brain, impairing neuromuscular
coordination, concentration and thinking.
o If dehydration is not stopped by drinking water, it can lead
to further problems.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are the mildest form of a heat injury and consist
of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after
intense exercise and sweating in high heat. Often caused by
dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms:
•Painful cramps, especially in the
legs
•Flushed, moist skin
•Mild fever, usually less than 102º F
First-Aid Treatment:
•Move to a cool place and rest.
•Remove excess clothing and place
cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
•Give cool sports drinks containing
salt and sugar such as Gatorade.
•Stretch cramped muscles slowly and
gently.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results
from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions
of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid
and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is
unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can
progress to heat stroke.
Signs and Symptoms:
•Muscle cramps
•Pale, moist skin
•Usually has a fever over 102º F
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Headache
•Fatigue
•Weakness
•Anxiety, and faint feeling
First-Aid Treatment:
•Move to a cool place and rest.
•Remove excess clothing and place
cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
•Give cool sports drinks containing
salt and sugar such as Gatorade.
•If no improvement or unable to take
fluids, call your child's physician or
take your child to an emergency
department immediately. IV
(intravenous) fluids may be needed.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when
the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive
heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate
medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms:
•warm, dry skin
•high fever, usually over 104º F
•rapid heart rate
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•vomiting
•headache
•fatigue
•confusion
•agitation
•lethargy
•stupor
•seizures, coma, and death are
possible
First-Aid Treatment:
•Move to a cool place and rest.
•Call 911 or your local emergency
medical service. Heat stroke is a
life-threatening medical emergency
and needs to be treated by a
physician.
•Remove excess clothing and drench
skin with cool water; fan skin.
•Place ice bags on the armpits and
groin areas.
•Offer cool fluids if alert and able to
drink.
Sunburns
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or
other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's
protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Sunburn in a
very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of
midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate
the same exposure for hours.
Signs and Symptoms:
•Red, tender skin that is warm to touch.
•Blisters that develop hours to days
later.
•Severe reactions (sometimes called
"sun poisoning"), including fever, chills,
nausea, or rash.
•Skin peeling on sunburned areas
several days after the sunburn.
First-Aid Treatment:
•Keep it cool. Apply cold compresses
such as a towel dampened with cool
water.
•Keep it moist. Apply aloe or
moisturizing cream to the affected skin.
Avoid products containing alcohol.
Don’t apply lotion, it could keep the heat
trapped in.
•Leave blisters intact. If blisters form,
don't break them. You'll only slow the
healing process and increase the risk of
infection. If needed, lightly cover
blisters with gauze.
References
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/enviromentalissues/a/Heat-Stroke.htm
http://www.gotwater.net/water_tips.htm