Heat Illness In Athletics

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Heat Illness In Athletics

• By Lindsay Berks

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What is Heat Illness?

• A Disabling illness causing complications related
  to excessive heat stress

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Who is in Danger?

• Everyone is susceptible to heat illness but it
  effects everyone differently
• Physically fit, acclimatized, well hydrated
  people are more heat tolerant
• Elderly and children and more likely to suffer
  from heat illness.
• Athletes who exercise in hot or humid weather are
  prone to heat illness

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Types of Heat Illness

• Dehydration
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Stoke

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Dehydration

• What is it?
• A process that results in below normal fluid
  levels in the body
• The amount of fluid that is lost in the body, Is
  greater than the amount that is replaced

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Dehydration

• Symptoms
• Decreased work performance
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive sweat or urine loss
• Skin Turgor

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Dehydration

• Treatments
• Drink water or sports drinks, before, during or
  after practice
• How much you need to drink depends on how big you
  are and how hot it is
• Stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages

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Heat Cramps

• What is it?
• Mildest form of heat illness
• No medical attention required
• Usually occurs during or after exercise
• Usually effects only specific muscle groups

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Heat Cramps

• Symptoms
• Thirst
• Chills
• Clammy Skin
• Throbbing heart
• Muscle pain
• Spasms
• Nausea

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Heat Cramps

• Treatment
• Move athlete to shade
• Remove excessive clothing
• Have athlete drink 4 8 ounces of water
• Add salt to foods

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Heat Exhaustion

• What is it?
• More serious illness
• May require medical attention
• Results from a reduced blood volume due to
  excessive sweating, which causes blood to pool in
  the extremities, causing fainting or dizziness

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Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Reduced sweating
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Dry mouth

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Heat Exhaustion

• Treatment
• Move athlete to cool place
• Drink 16 ounces of fluid containing electrolytes
  for every pound of weight loss
• Remove sweaty clothing
• Place ice behind athletes head
• Seek medical attention if no improvement

Key Words Electrolytes- salt and potassium
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Heat Stroke

• Life Threatening medical emergency requiring
  immediate attention
• Bodys temperature regulation processes stop
  functioning
• Left untreated, results in death due to collapse
  of circulatory system and damage to central
  nervous system

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Heat Stroke

• Symptoms
• No sweating
• Dry, hot skin
• Swollen tongue
• Visual disturbances
• Rapid pulse
• Unsteady gait
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Vomitting
• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Shock

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Heat Stroke

• Treatment
• Call 9-1-1
• Remove sweaty clothing
• Cover with ice packs or immerse in cold water
• If in shock, elevate feet

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Always remember to keep your cool!

• The End.