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Hyperthermia: Heat Stroke, Exhaustion, and Cramps, Sports Medicine

Christopher C. Trigger, MD, FACEP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Heat illness is the result of increased heat production and impaired heat dissipation.

  • Exertional heat illness is a continuum but based on signs and symptoms can be divided into the f...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Heat cramps:

    • Painful involuntary contractions of muscles, most commonly the calf, quadriceps, and abdomen

    • Heat cramps are more commonly thought of as an electrolyte problem than a heat ...

TREATMENT

  • Acute treatment:

    • Use basic or advanced cardiac life support for all unstable patients and transfer them to the nearest medical facility.

    • Common theme in treating all heat illnesses is to lower...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Return to play recommendations 2,3
  • Heat cramps 3[C]:

    • May return immediately after symptoms resolve with rest and fluid replacement

    • Depending on severity, may requi...

REFERENCES

1
Casa DJ, DeMartini JK, Bergeron MF, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: exertional heat illnesses. J Athl Train.  2015;50(9):986–1000.
2
Howe AS, Boden BP...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Remember the principle “cool first, transport second.”

  • General Heat Stress Index 2,5 (see Table)

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