Environmental Issues in Sports Medicine Flashcards
What are the 5 environmental issues?
1.) heat related illness
2.) cold injury
3.) lightning
4.) UV light
5.) altitude
What are the 6 heat related injuries?
1.) heat edema
2.) heat rash
3.) heat syncope
4.) heat cramps
5.) heat exhaustion
6.) heat stroke
Convection
process of losing heat through movement of air or water molecules across the skin
Example of Convection
using a fan to cool off
Evaporation
process of losing heat through the conversion of water to gas
Example of Evaporation
evaporation of sweat
Radiation
form of heat loss through infrared rays; involved the transfer of heat from one object to another with no physical contact involved
Example of Radiation
sun transfers heat to earth through radiation
Conduction
process of losing heat through physical contact with another object or body
Example of Conduction
if you were to sit on a metal chair, the heat from your body would transfer to the cold metal chair
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
Heat, sunshine, and humidity; must be monitored closely
Dry bulb temperature
only measures temperature without the other factors (humidity, wind, sunshine, etc)
What causes heat edema?
heat causes vasodilation and with gravity, body fluid will move into the hands and legs
Heat edema - signs and symptoms
pitting edema
Heat edema - treatment
drink fluids, movement in the extremities to get fluid moving again, cool down
What is another name for a heat rash?
Prickly heat
What causes a heat rash?
skins sweat glands are blocked and the sweat that is produced can’t get to the surface
Most common places to get a heat rash
in the creases (groin, armpit, neck) or where skin causes friction
usually shows up on adults
Heat rash - treatment
avoid tight clothes, stay cool and dry, drink plenty of fluids, calamine lotion can help with itching
What causes heat syncope?
heat causes vasodilation and blood pools in the arms and legs which decreases blood pressure and can cause the athlete to faint
When does heat syncope usually occur?
At the end of activity
Heat syncope - signs and symptoms
feeling faint/lightheaded (especially when changing positions), pale, cool, and moist skin
Heat syncope - treatment
move to a cool environment, untie shoes, drink fluids, supine position, and elevate lower extremities
What causes heat cramps?
Excessive heat exposure and profuse sweating and lack of fluid replacement
core body temperature over 104 F
Heat cramps - signs and symptoms
painful muscle cramps
Where do heat cramps usually occur?
quads, calves, and abdominal muscles
Heat cramps - treatment
stretching, cooling down, fluid/electrolyte replacement
to break cramp, have athlete carry their body weight (stand up)
4 main electrolytes our body needs to function
sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium
What is the first sign of heat illness (usually)?
heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion - signs and symptoms
body temperature between 98.6F - 104F, fatigue, dizziness, profuse sweating, vomiting, nausea, headaches, cold clammy skin, weakness, normal mental status
Heat exhaustion - treatment
move to a cool place, rehydration, remove excess clothing
*Oral rehydration is just as effective as IV
Who must clear an athlete before they can return to play after heat exhaustion?
cleared by a physician IF school doesn’t have an athletic trainer
What if heat exhaustion isn’t treated?
could lead to heatstroke
Heatstroke
serious life threatening condition with an unknown specific cause
Heatstroke - signs and symptoms
sudden onset, sudden collapse, loss of consciousness (LOC), central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, strong rapid pulse, flushed hot skin, minimal sweating, shallow breathing, core temp 104F
Heatstroke - treatment
drastic measures must be taken
remove clothing, immerse in water, take to hospital ASAP
*cool first, transport second
*temp drops 1F every 5 mins
What is the only thermometer you should use to check core temperature?
rectal thermometer
Environmental Risk Factors
humidity
air temperature
conductive heat (ground)
protective clothing
radiant heat (sun)
air movement
workload severity/duration
Personal risk factors
water consumption
caffeine consumption
use of rx meds (laxative, dietary supps)
health (weight, fitness level)
alcohol consumption
degree of acclimation
age
How much water should you drink a day?
for average person: 1 oz per kilo of water per day (athlete x2)
Prevention
educate athletes and coaches
acclimation
daily weight and hydration checks
conditioning
proper uniforms for temperature
