Abstract
Heat stroke is a life-threatening disease characterized clinically by central nervous system dysfunction and severe hyperthermia (core temperature rises to higher than 40 °C). The unchecked rise of body core temperature overwhelms intrinsic or extrinsic heat generation mechanism, thus overwhelms homoeostatic thermoregulation. Hyperthermia causes cellular and organ dysfunction with progressive exacerbation resulting in multi-organ failure and death. Rapid cooling to reduce core temperatureas quickly as possible is the primary and most effective treatment, as it has been shown that the major determinant of outcome in heatstroke is the degree and duration of hyperthermia. If suppression of body temperature is delayed, the fatality rate will be elevated. This is a guideline for the management of heat stroke, developed by the People’s Liberation Army Professional Committee of Critical Care Medicine lauched in June 2006. This is the first and origianl guideline for heat stroke in Chinese army and is expected to be properly used in daily clinial practice.
Highlights
Heat stroke is a life-threatening disease characterized clinically by central nervous system dysfunction and severe hyperthermia
Rapid cooling to reduce core temperatureas quickly as possible is the primary and most effective treatment, as it has been shown that the major determinant of outcome in heatstroke is the degree and duration of hyperthermia
Overview Heats stroke (HS) is severe sunstroke caused by a rapid increase in one’s core temperature in excess of 40 °C from exposure to a hot and humid environment
Summary
Heat stroke onset characteristics Heat stroke onset is closely related to three environmental factors: high temperature, high humidity, and a windless environment. If the patient is moved to a shady and breezy place in a timely manner to cool down and replenish water and salt intake, recovery can occur within a short period. Mild sunstroke In addition to the symptoms described above, mild sunstroke presents a body temperature that is often higher than 38 °C and may be accompanied by a ruddy complexion, excessive sweating, burning skin, the appearance of clammy and cold limbs, a pale complexion, falling blood pressure, and accelerated pulse rate. Heat stroke The classic clinical manifestations of heat stroke are high fever, lack of sweat, and loss of consciousness. Exertional heat stroke EHS presents in healthy young people (such as soldiers who participate in training) who experience a sudden feeling of malaise after undergoing high intensity training or engaging in heavy physical labor for a period of time in a hot and humid environment.
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