heatcold illnesses Flashcards
evaporation
losing heat by converting a liquid to a gas (eg. evaporation of sweat)
convection
transfer of energy b/w an object and its environment (eg. running or swimming or using a fan to ‘cool off’)
conduction
transfer of energy b/w two objects (eg. hand and pole)
radiation
transfer of energy b/w two objects w/o contact (eg. the sun’s radiation on your skin
heat acclimation
the bodies physiological response to tolerate hotter environments.
benefits: to reduce the amount of heat related injuries, and to increase tolerance of exercise in the heat. Athletes may also perceive an improvement in performance b/c they are accustomed to the heat.
heat acclimation (physiological response)
1) requires up to 14 days
2) early stage (days 1-5) involve improved control of CV fcn
3) mid stage (days 5-8) central body temperature decreases
4) late stage (day 9-14) conservation of NaCl occurs. Acclimatization to heat is maximal.
5) Once acclimated, 1 day not in heat lose 2-3 days
heat cramps
signs and symptoms
occur in calf and abdominal mm, thirst, sweating, fatigue and transient mm cramps, skin remains moist and cool, usually no change in body temp
heat exhaustion
signs
gray skin; clammy/wet; rapid/shallow breathing; decreased BP; increased pulse, but weak; pupils constricted; core temp. 98.6-103; dizzy, fatigued; weak, nausea, headache (mild-severe), vomiting
heat stroke
signs
bright red and hot skin; dry; shallow breath; decreased BP; increased pulse, but strong; pupils dilated; core > 103; disoriented, unconscious; complete mm spasm; coma
frostbite
firm to touch; red and swollen; waxy appearance; caused by freezing soft tissue; those with cold allergy have higher risk; classified by three degrees; superficial, second degree, deep frostbite
hypothermia
occurs at temp as high as 40 degrees; mild cases are still shivering, clumsy, apathetic, difficulty speaking; severe cases have stopped shivering, no sensation of pain, jerky movements, unaware of surroundings
