Heat exhaustion: Difference between revisions
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==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
*Majority of pts can be discharged | *Majority of pts can be discharged | ||
*Consider admision in pts w/ CHF or severe electrolyte disturbances | |||
==Complications== | ==Complications== |
Revision as of 19:19, 27 August 2011
Background
- Definition
- Known heat exposure + temp 37-40 + some combination of:
- Tachycardia
- Sweating (especially when associated with exercise)
- N/V
- Headache
- Fatigue, weakness
- Dizziness
- Syncope with prompt return of normal mental status
- Severe thirst
- Normal mental status or mild confusion that responds rapidly (w/in 30min) to cooling
- Signs of mild to moderate dehydration
- Known heat exposure + temp 37-40 + some combination of:
- Etiology
- Occurs via water depletion or sodium depletion (or combination of both)
- Water depletion occurs in elderly and persons working in hit environments
- Salt depletion occurs when fluid losses replaced w/ hypotonic solutions
- Occurs via water depletion or sodium depletion (or combination of both)
Treatment
- Removal from heat-stressed environment
- Salt solution
- Oral or IV depending on severity
- Active cooling
- Consider dropping temp to 39 if pt does not respond to 30min of fluid replacement
Disposition
- Majority of pts can be discharged
- Consider admision in pts w/ CHF or severe electrolyte disturbances
Complications
- Heat stroke
- Heat cramps
- Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
See Also
Source
Tintinalli