Heat related illness
HEAT RELATED ILLNESS
We are expecting record-breaking heat this week!
Coaches and athletes need to be able to recognize heat related illness. These run the spectrum from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and most seriously heat stroke. This can be deadly if not recognized and treated immediately and is a medical emergency.
Here are some key points:
PREVENTION:
o proper education of coaches and athletes
o identification of high-risk athletes
o preventative hydration
o acclimatization
o proper monitoring of athletes
RISK FACTORS:
o dehydration
o obesity
o concurrent illness
o alcohol consumption
o extremes of age
o sickle cell trait
o supplement use
TREATMENT:
o rapid cooling
If in doubt, get to a cooler place and use ice, cold towels, or an ice bath to cool the body. If the athlete/person has symptoms of a heat stroke, call 911.
Howe AS, Boden BP. Heat-related illness in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Aug;35(8):1384-95. doi: 10.1177/0363546507305013. Epub 2007 Jul 3. PMID: 17609528.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html