Heat illness: A preventable
condition
A few years ago, football lost a valuable and well-loved player to a severe
case of dehydration. Korey Stringer, a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the
Minnesota Vikings, died while in a coma brought about by heat stroke. His
unexpected and easily preventable death shocked the sports world. It also
forced us to take a new, more serious look at all heat illnesses from dehydration
to heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
Heat illness can affect anyone, from the professional athlete to the occasional
exerciser, any time of the year,” said Dr. Sourav Poddar, a sports
medicine specialist at the University Sports Medicine Center.
“Even non-athletes face this danger during record-high summer temperatures.
In fact, between 1985 and 2000, more than 7,000 people died due to heat-related
causes. To prevent unnecessary heat-related illnesses, make sure you know
the symptoms and treatments,” adds Dr. Poddar.
Heat illness can be thought of as a continuum of increasing severity, ranging
from dehydration to heat exhaustion to heat stroke. In addition to thirst,
early signs of heat illness may include flushing, cramps, nausea and headaches.
The symptoms of heat stroke, the most serious heat illness, revolve around
two main factors: core body temperature and mental status. A core temperature
of 105° to 106° Farenheit is extremely dangerous and must be treated
immediately. Mental status changes, presenting as anything from confusion
and disorientation to coma, also are signs requiring prompt medical attention.
“Cooling is an integral component in treating heat stroke. Affected persons
should be moved to a cool, shaded environment, and any insulating clothing
should be removed,” said Dr. Poddar. “If possible, the person
should be immersed in ice water, and in severe cases, the heat illness victim
should be transported to a facility where he or she can be further monitored
and tested.”
Fortunately, with the right knowledge and planning, heat illness is completely
preventable and most of us should never have to exhibit such serious symptoms.
If you are preparing to be active outdoors, take into account not only the
outside temperature, but also the humidity, wind and sun exposure. Dress
accordingly. Drinking 32 oz. of fluid about two hours before activity should
help ensure appropriate hydration at the onset of exercise. For activities
less than an hour drinking at least 6-8oz of water every 15-20 minutes is
important.
“As we roll through summer, devising a proper hydration plan prior to activities
helps to prevent heat illness and ensures an enjoyable experience,” concludes
Dr. Poddar.
Dr. Poddar is a Sports Medicine specialist at the University Sports Medicine
Center who is board certified in Family Medicine with additional certification
in Sports Medicine. He serves as a Team Physician for the CU Buffaloes and
DU Pioneers and is also the Regional Medical Consultant for the San Francisco
Giants. His clinical interests include non-operative treatment of athletic
injuries as well as management of concussions and heat illness. To schedule
an appointment or to speak with a clinic representative at the University Sports
Medicine Center, call 303-871-7752.
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