What is Heatstroke?

Published on  5/26/19  8:54 AM

A. Heat Index 

• Human discomfort index 
• it is the index that measures what human feel when exposed to a certain temperature range 

Currently, the highest Heat index recorded was last April 19, 2019 at Dagupan Pangasinan with the Heat index of 51.7

B.  Heat Related Illnesses

• Minor Heat Emergency Syndromes 

1. Heat Edema 
2. Prickly Heat 
3. Heat Syncope 
4. Hyperventilation tetany

• Heat Cramps
• Heat Exhaustion 
• Heat Stroke 

C. Heatstroke 

• The clinical manifestation of heatstroke is due to the total loss of thermoregulatory function 

• Anterior Hypothalamus 
• Maintains body temperature at approximately 37 °C 
• Thermoregulation

• Typical Vital sign abnormalities 

1. Increase Respiratory Rate 
2. Increase Heart Rate
3. Decrease Blood Pressure 
4. Widened Pulse Pressure 

• No single specific diagnostic test

D. Initial Diagnosis of Heat Stroke 

1. Exposure to heat stress 
2. Central Nervous System Dysfunction 
3. Core temperature > 40.5°C

E. Premonitory Clinical Characteristics 

1. Weakness
2. Dizziness
3. Disorientation 
4. Ataxia 
5. Gastrointestinal Symptoms 
6. Psychiatric Symptoms 

A. Classic (Epidemic) Heatstroke

• usually during summer heat wakes 
• in patients with chronic diseases that may predispose to heat related illness 
• limited access to oral fluids 
• in patients with prescribed medications that can impair tolerance to a heat stress 

B. Exertional Heatstroke 

• young and previously healthy 
• athletes, laborers, military recruits 
• present profusely diaphoretic despite significant dehydration 

C. Prevention of Classic and Exertional Heatstroke

1. Use airconditioner/ electric fan 
2. Limit outdoor activities during daytime 
3. Consume ample fluids 
4. Wear loose-fitting light colored clothing 
5. Be aware of medication side effects that may cause fluid loss, decrease sweating or decrease heart rate 
6. Never leave impaired adults or children in a car unattended 

Youtube Video Link

YOUTUBE VIDEO Click - Totoo ba ang Heatstroke?

References

http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate/climate-heat-index Hifumi, Toru. “Heat Stroke.” Journal of Intensive Care 6:30 (2018) Jameson, J Larry et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 20th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018

Who is Dr Gen?  Click the Link  https://www.doctorgenesismercado.com/2018/07/functiond-s-id-var-js-fjs-d.html Genesis A. Mercado M.D.  Medical Doctor Internal Medicine Specialist  CEO, G.A. Mercado Medical Clinic Contact Dr Gen via email: gen_ops@yahoo.com Clinic Address: G.A. Mercado Medical Clinic 914/918 Matimyas St cor Alindada Sampaloc Manila  website: https://www.doctorgenesismercado.com youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8DEDWJtYflAQMsHxDI-9uw

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