Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to
recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different
types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary
discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related
illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related
illnesses:
Heat Rash: Heat rash is a
skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can
occur at any age. Heat rash looks like a
red cluster of pimples or small
blisters.
Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in
other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle
spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as
heat rash. The body
temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but
sweaty.
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is
elevated dramatically.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and
properly treated.
Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke.
The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming
dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
Infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at
greatest risk for heat stroke.
What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia,
an abnormally
elevated body temperature
with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system
function.
Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two
other forms of hyperthermia
that are less severe,
heat stroke is a true
medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke. Severe
hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher.
The body normally generates heat as a result of
metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by radiation of heat through
the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous
physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the
body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher.
Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able
to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to
rise.
Those most susceptible (at risk) individuals to heart strokes include:
infants,
the elderly (often with associated
heart diseases, lung diseases,
kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to
dehydration and heat
strokes),
athletes, and
individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of
heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms
of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease leaves the body malnourished, bulky and fouls smelling stools, vitamin insufficiency, gas, painful or swollen abdomen, infertility, susceptible to heat emergencies, and respiratory failure. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatment of symptoms is used to manage the disease.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
Coma is the inability to waken or react to the surrounding environment. The Glasgow Coma Scale is frequently used to measure the depth of coma. Causes of coma include trauma, bleeding, edema, lack of oxygen, poisoning, or hypoglycemia. Prognosis for a patient in a coma depends on the cause of the coma.
Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Causes of orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, anemia, medication, blood loss, low blood pressure, heat related illnesses and more. Treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause.
Sudden cardiac arrest is an unexpected, sudden death caused by sudden cardiac arrest (loss of heart function). Causes and risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest include (not inclusive): abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, smoking, high cholesterol, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation after a heart attack, congenital heart defects, history of fainting, and heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and drug abuse. Treatment of sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency, and action must be taken immediately.
Medical shock is a life-threatening medical condition. There are several types of medical shock, septic shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, and neurogenic shock. Causes of shock include heart attack, heart failure, heavy bleeding (internal and external), infection, anaphylaxis, spinal cord injury, severe burns, chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Low blood pressure is the key sign of sock. Treatment is dependant upon the type of shock.
Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and sunlight. The affect on the skin is redness, which looks similar to a sunburn. Generally, these reactions are either phototoxic or photoallergic. Phototoxic drugs are more common than photoallergic drugs. Symptoms of phototoxic reactions are a burning and stinging sensation and then redness. Symptoms of photoallergic reactions are itching, redness, swelling, blisters of the affected area. Treatment generally is discontinuation of the medication and topical application of creams.
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and sunburn are all hyperthermia conditions. Treatment of these conditions depends upon the condition, environment, and circumstances. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and may result in death if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke if not treated properly.
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity or work in a hot humid environment. Symptoms of heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs that occur in association with strenuous activity. Heat cramps is part of a group of heat-related illnesses.
First aid is a complicated subject and it is situation-specific. First aid is the help and medical assistance that someone gives, not only to an injured person, but to a person who is sick. Preparedness is a key element of first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or RV. Cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, strains, nosebleeds are one type of injury that may require first aid; heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and heat stroke are examples of more critical first aid emergencies.
Natural diasters such as a hurricane can take a toll on family, friends, and neighbors. Both physiological and psychological stresses can be devastating. Learn how to prepare for a hurricane like food storage, safe water, first aid measures, cleaning mold, wearing protective gear, preparing for electrical hazards, avoiding carbon monoxide, avoiding physical injuries and hazardous materials, preventing drowning, reducing the risk of thermal stress, and preventing fatigue related injuries.
Heat-related illness occurs as a result of heat exposure.
Heat-related illnesses include
heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat
cramps, heat syncope, and heat rash.
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness, and
requires immediate medical attention.
Certain individuals, such as the
elderly, infants and young children,
the obese, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk
for developing heat-related illness.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness vary based on the
condition, but may include an elevated body temperature,
headache,
nausea,
weakness, dizziness, fainting,
muscle cramps, and coma.
Treatment for heat-related illness generally includes moving the
individual out of the hot environment, ...
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