Hyperthermia

Question 1

above what temperature is it classified as hyperthermia

Answer 1

above 40 degrees with central nervous system dysfunction

Question 2

what is a classic heat stroke

Answer 2

due to prolonged exposure to heat

Question 3

what is an exertional heat stroke

Answer 3

due to strenuous physical exercise

Question 4

what is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Answer 4

heat exhaustion is between 37-40 degrees, patient may present with mild neurological symptoms such as weakness, headache, dizziness, thirst etc and intact mental status

heat stroke is above 40 with ANHIDROSIS and central nervous dysfunction

Question 5

can heat exhaustion lead heat stroke

Answer 5

yes

Question 6

aetiology/causes of hyperthermia

Answer 6

Physical effort generates intrinsic heat, and can rapidly lead to heat stroke when combined with environmental factors

Question 7

symptoms and signs of hyperthermia

Answer 7

temp above 40, anhidrosis, intense thirst, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomitting, tachycardia and tachypnoea

Question 8

what signs are present in heat stroke that aren’t in heat exhaustion

Answer 8

central nervous system dysfunction and anhidrosis (hot, dry skin)

Question 9

what investigations will be done for hyperthermia

Answer 9

rectal temp, FBC, Liver and renal function tests, ECG, glucose, ABG, electrolytes

Question 10

managing heat exhaustion

Answer 10

active cooling such as cold water immersion, cold fans etc

Question 11

managing heat stroke

Answer 11

stabilisation of the patient (ABCDE approach) AND active cooling

Question 12

prognosis of heat stroke

Answer 12

in young people, mortality from heat stroke is very low. however in older people, mortality from heat stroke is approx 50%

heat stroke untreated can lead to brain damage