Condition | Core body temperature | Clinical findings | Treatment |
Miliaria (heat rash) | Normal | Pruritic erythematus or skin-colored papular, vesicular, or pustular rash | Light clothing to decrease sweating Symptomatic treatment of pruritus |
Heat edema | Normal | Swelling of feet, ankles, and/or lower legs | Cool environment* Elevation of legs Compression stockings |
Heat syncope (exercise-associated collapse) | Normal | Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and syncope after exertion with rapid return to normal mental status when supine | Move to cool environment* Supine position Oral rehydration with salt-containing fluids¶ or IV normal saline (initial infusion 20 mL per kg) |
Heat cramps | Normal or elevated up to 40°C (104°F) | Painful cramps of large muscle groups in the legs (eg, quadriceps, gastrocnemius) occurring after exertion | Passively stretch affected muscle Oral rehydration with salt-containing fluids¶ or IV normal saline (initial infusion 20 mL per kg, maximum initial volume: 1 L) |
Heat tetany | Normal or elevated up to 40°C (104°F) | Hyperventilation with carpopedal spasm, paresthesias | Move to cool environment* If symptoms persistent, low-flow (<5 L per min) oxygen via a partial rebreathing mask to encourage rebreathing of CO2 |
Heat exhaustion | Elevated up to 40°C (104°F) | Normal mental status, dizziness, brief episode of syncope, or mild confusion that rapidly normalizes within 30 minutes of treatment Tachycardia with normal blood pressure and mild to moderate dehydration Nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, weakness, thirst, sweating, or, in some patients, hyponatremia or hypernatremia | Cease exertion immediately Move to cool environment* Remove excess clothing Oral rehydration with cool, salt-containing liquids¶ |
If symptoms continue despite above measures or if altered mental status is present:
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IV: intravenous; CO2: carbon dioxide.
* Cool environments include natural shade, an air-conditioned vehicle, or air-conditioned building.
¶ Flavored sports drinks may be used.Do you want to add Medilib to your home screen?