Heat-Illness
Information and Resources
As summer programs begin and pre-season
approaches, coaches, parents, and athletes should be reminded to stay properly
hydrated-this means drinking when you may not feel thirsty and avoiding carbonated or
sugar-laden beverages! Heat illnesses can be
life threatening. Be aware and be prepared. Be familiar with the “Heat Illnesses: Signs,
Symptoms, & What to Do” chart and be sure to follow the advice of your athletic
trainers and team physicians about exercising in the heat and humidity. The NFHS has also published hydration
recommendations and prevention and awareness guidelines (see http://www.nfhs.org/scriptcontent/va_custom/SportsMedicine/HeatStressFlyers.pdf
and
http://www.nfhs.org/ScriptContent/VA_Custom/va_cm/contentpagedisplay.cfm?Content_ID=211&SearchWord=Heat%20Stress).
| Heat Illnesses: Signs,
Symptoms, & What to Do |
| Heat Illness |
Definition/Description |
Signs/Symptoms |
What
to Do |
Muscle (Heat)
Cramps |
Occurs
during or after intense exercise.
Athlete will experience acute, painful, involuntary muscle contractions typcially
in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
|
Dehydration
Thirst
Fatique
Sweating
Muscle cramps
|
- Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
- Drink clear juice or a sports drink.
- Do not engage in exercise/strenuous activity for a few hours
after cramps subside, as this may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention if heat cramps do not subside in 1
hour.
|
Heat
Syncope |
Occurs as result of exposure to high tempuratures. Typically
occurs during the first 5 days of acclimation
to physical activity in the heat. May also occur after a long period of standing
after physical activity.
|
Dehydration
Fatigue
Fainting
Lightheadedness
Tunnel Vision
Pale or sweaty skin
Decreased pulse rate
|
- Lie down in a cool place.
- Drink clear juice or a sports drink.
|
Heat (Exercise)
Exhaustion |
The inability to continue exercising that is associated with heavy
sweating, dehydration, energy depletion, and sodium loss.
*Frequently occurs in hot, humid conditions |
Normal or elevated body-core temp
(97-104°F)
Dehydration
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Headache
Nausea/Diarrhea
Weakness
Persisitent muscle cramps
Profuse sweating
Chills
Cool, clammy skin |
- Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are sever, the
athlete has existing heart problems or high blood pressure.
- You may attempt to cool the athlete using: cool, non-alcoholic
beverages (as directed by physician), rest, cool shower/bath/sponge bath, moving to an air
conditioned environment, and wearing lightweight clothing.
|
| Heat Stroke |
Life-threatening unless promptly recognized and treated.
Occurs as a result of prolonged heat exposure while engaging in physical
activity. Symptoms are a result of the
body shutting down when it is no longer able to regulate tempurature naturally. |
Same Symptoms as Heat Exhaustion and:
High body-core temp (>104°F)
Change in Mood (e.g., apathy, irrational)
Hot and wet or dry skin
Increased heart rate
Confusion
|
- If any symptoms are evident-CALL 9-1-1 or seek immediate
medical assistance.
- Move the athlete to a shady area.
- Cool the athlete rapidly using whatever methods you can:
immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower, spray the
victim with cool water from the hose, sponge the person with cool water; fan the athlete.
- Monitor body tempurature and continue to cool the athlete
until temp drops to 101-102°F.
- Continue until medical professionals arrive and take over, if
medical attention is delayed, call the emergency room for further instructions.
|
| References |
| Brinkley, H.M., Beckett, J., Casa, D.J., Kleiner,
D.M., & Plummer, P.E., (2002). National Athletic Trainers' Association position
statement: Exertional heat illnesses. Journal of Athletic Training, 37
(3), 329-343. |
| Center for Disease Control (2003). Hot weather
health emergenices. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/heatillness.htm. ( June 14, 2004). |
Important information
with online resources to help you learn more about the prevention of heat illnesses:
|
