Abstract
Exercising in hot and especially humid environment can cause rise in body core temperature to such a critical level that it does not only reduce performance, but also may ultimately lead to exertional heat stroke (EHS). This illness is true medical emergency that can result in significant morbidity and mortality, if not early recognized and promptly treated. Diagnostic criteria for EHS are body core temperature above 40oC and central nerve system dysfunction. Any athlete experiencing such symptoms should be immediately exposed to aggressive cooling treatment aimed to lower the elevated core temperature to near normal as quickly as possible. Ice water immersion is highly recommended as a cooling method because it provides the fastest cooling rates and is associated with lowest mortality rates. Athletes cooled rapidly soon after the onset of EHS usually recover without complications and are able to return to normal training in hot environment within a few weeks. EHS is also a preventable condition, and its occurrence can be minimized by implementing a few simple measures.
Highlights
Definition of Heat-Related IllnessesThe human body is equipped with wellIn general, heat exposure can result in a developed thermoregulation mechanisms that variety of heat disorders including heat edema, heat regulate its internal temperature at about 37oC for syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat optimal function of organ systems
Heat edema is the mildest form of heat not uncommon for athletes who train and compete in illness, which appears as a swelling of hands and feet, hot and humid environment to experience usually in unacclimatized individuals
Heat such as exertional heat stroke (EHS) [1, 2]. This cramps are involuntary, painful, spasmodic illness is a true medical emergency that can result in contractions of muscles, which tend to occur in significant morbidity and mortality, if not early settings of heavy sweating coupled with inadequate recognized and promptly treated [3,4,5,6]
Summary
Metodija Kjertakov1*, Yoram Epstein2,3 1Special Operations Regiment, Army of Republic of Macedonia, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; 2Heller Institute of Medical Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; 3The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. OA Maced J Med Sci. Received: 06-May-2013; Revised: 21-Jul2013; Accepted: 22-Jul-2013; Online first: 25-Sep-2013
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