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HEAT ILLNESS
AHSAA
Alabama All Stars Sports Week
June 15, 2009
  • JAMES B. ROBINSON, M.D.
  • Head Team Physician
  • University of Alabama
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HEAT ILLNESS
  • Introduction
  • Physiology
  • Types of Heat Illness
  • Treatment
  • Prevention


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Introduction
  • Heat Illness is a major concern for athletes participating in hot and/or humid conditions.
  • Accounts for huge time-loss from participation in competitive athletic competitions
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Heat Related Deaths
  •                                2008
  •      4 High School
  •      3 College

  • 1960-1969 = 34
  • 1970-1979 = 31
  • 1980-1989 = 13
  • 1990-1999 = 15
  • 2000-2005 = 13
  • 2006-2008= 13



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PHYSIOLOGY
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Thermoregulation
  • A complex interaction between the CNS, cardiovascular system, and the skin.


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PHYSIOLOGY
  •       Winslow Equation of Thermoregulation


  •           S = M +/- R +/- K +/- Cv - E


  • S = Stored Heat
  • M = Metabolic Heat Produced
  • R = Heat from radiation
  • K = Heat from Conduction
  • Cv = Heat from Convection
  • E = Evaporative Heat Loss
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Metabolic Heat Produced
  • Basal metabolic heat production (fasting):
  •                  60-70 kcal/hr
  •                  50% from internal organs


  • Exercise metabolic heat production:
  •                  1000 kcal/hr
  •                  1200-1500 kcal/hr in elite athletes
  •                  90% from muscle metabolism
  •                  Core temperature would increase 1 C with
  •                    every 5-8 minutes of exercise
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Heat from Radiation
  • The energy transferred to or from and object via electromagnetic radiation from higher to lower energy surfaces.
  • Heat from the sun!
  • 150 kcal/hr
  • Heat gain if  > 96 degrees
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Heat from Conduction
  • The transfer of heat from a warmer to a cooler object through direct contact. Heat produced in muscle is transferred to circulating blood as long as core temperature is lower.


  • Ice Packs
  • Water baths- water conducts heat 25X faster
  •                           than air
  • Cold towels
  • Cold benches, TMS shoulder pads


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Heat from Convection
  • The transfer of heat from an object to the surrounding air.
  • Moving air from fans, wind, cycling
  • Rate of heat loss can vary 5 fold between resting in still air and running on a breezy day.
  • Minimal heat loss, if any, on a hot day
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Evaporation
  • The transfer of heat by the vaporization of sweat, and from respiration.
  • The most efficient means of heat loss!
  • Is dependant upon:
  •               Humidity
  •               Velocity of moving air
  •               Surface area exposed
  •               Sweat rate
  • Effectiveness is diminished when humidity is         > 60%


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Evaporation
  • Evaporation decreases as total body water decreases with dehydration and decreased blood flow to periphery and thus decreased sweat produced.
  • Clothing and equipment reduce surface area and thus reduce evaporation: increases core temp, weight loss, heart rate
  •  Football uniform reduces body surface area for   evaporation by 60%
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Evaporation
Sweat Rate
  • Unacclimated athlete = 1 L/hr = 500 kcal/hr
  • Acclimated athlete = 3 L/hr = 1500 kcal/hr
  • Can be affected by:
  •             Medications: diuretics, amphetamines,
  •                 cocaine, PCP, LSD
  •             Medical conditions: scleroderma, burns,
  •                 cystic fibrosis
  •          Ointments, lotions
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ACCLIMATIZATION
  • Physiologic process by which an individual becomes able to tolerate work in a hot environment.
  • Becoming “Thermal efficient”
  • Usually takes 5-10 days - maximum acclimatization takes 3 months.
  • Fluid and salt increase heat acclimatization.
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TYPES of HEAT ILLNESS
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HEAT ILLNESS
  • Exercise associated muscle cramps (heat cramps)
  • Heat syncope
  • Exercise exhaustion (heat exhaustion)
  • Exertional heat stroke
  • Exertional hyponatremia
  • Exertional rhabdomyolysis
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HEAT CRAMPS
  • An acute, painful, involuntary muscle contraction that presents during or after intense exercise.
  • Causes:
  •           Dehydration
  •           Electrolyte imbalances (sodium chloride)-
  •                acclimatized athletes lose 14 grams NaCl
  •           Neuromuscular fatigue
  •           Anxiety
  •          Acid/base disturbances ( hyperventilation)
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HEAT CRAMPS
Treatment
  • Remove from activity
  • Replace fluids
  • Replace salt (too little, too late)
  • Stretch
  • Massage (ice)
  • I.V. fluids
  • Others: Calcium gluconate, Quinine, I.V. Valium, pinch thumb web space, lip
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HEAT SYNCOPE
  • A feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness that occurs when a person is exposed to high environmental temperatures.
  • Usually occurs during the first 5 days of acclimatization before blood volume expands.
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Heat Syncope
Signs and Symptoms
  • Syncope
  • Dizziness
  • Tunnel vision
  • Pale or sweaty skin
  • Decreased pulse
  • Normal rectal temperature
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HEAT SYNCOPE
Treatment
  • Move to shaded area
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Trendelenburg position
  • Rehydrate
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EXERCISE (HEAT) EXHAUSTION
  • The inability to continue exercise associated with:
  •         Heavy sweating
  •         Dehydration
  •         Sodium loss
  •         Energy depletion
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HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs and Symptoms
  • TBW loss of > 5%
  • Nausea
  • Anorexia
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased urine output
  • Rectal temperature:
  •       97-104 degrees
  • Pallor
  • Persistent muscular cramps
  • Urge to defecate
  • Weakness
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Hyperventilation


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HEAT EXAUSTION
Treatment
  • Move to shaded area
  • Measure  rectal  temperature
  • Remove excess clothes
  • Fans, ice, ice towels
  • Rehydrate
  • I.V. fluids if situation worsens or rapid recovery is necessary.
  • RTP 24-48 hours if no LOC and at baseline body weight.




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EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE
  • Elevated core temperature ( >104 degrees) associated with signs of organ system failure due to hyperthermia.
  • Life threatening!


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EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE
Signs and Symptoms
  • Coma ~ 70%
  • Acute renal failure
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Bleeding (DIC)
  • Pancreatitis/ GI bleed
  • Mortality ~ 80%
  • Temperature >104 rectal
  • Fast heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Sweating
  • Rapid breathing
  • Altered mental status
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
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EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE
Treatment
  • Measure rectal temperature
  • Lower temperature as rapidly as possible!!
  • Place in a tub of ice water (temp=35-59F) remove when temp <102 (0 fatalities in 252 military personnel)
  • 911- to Emergency Room ASAP!
  • Cool I.V fluids, ice bags to neck, axilla, groin
  • ABCs
  • RTP = normal renal function, CPK, normal GXT
  • At increased risk for future heat strokes


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EXERTIONAL HYPONATREMIA
  • A rare condition that occurs in athletes that participates for > 4 hours where the serum sodium level drops below 130 mmol/L.
  • Ingestion of too much low salt fluids (water intoxication) and sweat sodium losses not replaced.
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EXERTIONAL HYPONATREMIA
Signs and Symptoms
  • Serum Na+ <130mmol/L
  • Extremity edema
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Cerebral edema
  • Seizures
  • Death
  • Disorientation
  • Altered mental status
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Normal hydration state
  • Temperature  <104 F


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EXERTIONAL HYPONATREMIA
Treatment
  • Prevention:
  •         Decrease fluid ingestion
  •         Replace sodium
  •         Ingest fluids with adequate sodium
  • Transport to E.D.
  • I.V. fluids = 3% NS
  • No oral fluids
  • RTP = normal serum Na+, education, salt replacement protocol (salt tabs etc.)
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EXERTIONAL RHABDOMYOLYSIS
  • A degeneration of skeletal muscle caused by excessive exercise
  • First identified in 1988
  • Can be confused with heat stroke
  • Usually only occurs on the first few days of strenuous unaccustomed exercise
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Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Risk Factors

  • Sickle Cell Trait
  • Carbohydrate loading
  • Dehydration
  • Heat
  • Diuretics
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Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Signs and Symptoms
  • Elevated CPK
  • Hyper K+
  • Hyper PHO4
  • Hypo Ca++
  • Hyperuricacidemia
  • Elevated Creatinine
  • Exposure to strenuous exercise
  • Muscle pain
  • Weakness
  • Swelling
  • Myoglobinuria
  • Renal Failure
  • Coca-Cola colored urine


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Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Treatment
  • I.V. Fluids
  • Dialysis
  • Correct electrolyte imbalances
  • RTP:
  •        CPK normal
  •        Renal function normal
  •        No muscle soreness
  • Prevention!
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PREVENTION
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HEAT ILLNESS
Prevention
  • Emergency Plan
  •       Nearest Emergency facility,
  •        transportation, communications, cool tub,
  •        rectal thermometer
  • Pre-participation physical exam - identify
  •        previous heat related problems
  • Adequate acclimatization = 7-14 days
  • Educate - athletes, coaches, parents
  • Well balanced diet, adequate sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol
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HEAT ILNESS
Prevention
  • Monitor environmental conditions:
  •         Ambient temperature
  •         Relative humidity
  •         Local weather reports
  •         National Weather Service
  •         Airport reports
  •         Sling psychrometer
  •         Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
  • Practice times early morning or evening


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WBGT
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WBGT
  • Remember these guidelines were for athletes in shorts and shirts, must adjust for equipment.
  • Would never practice or play in the South!
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HEAT ILLNESS
Prevention
  • Weigh athletes before and after practice.
  • “a pint’s a pound…”
  • Replace fluid lost during activity.
  • Monitor urine color and volume.
  • Have ice bags available
  • Adequate cold fluids available.
  • Rest periods- adjust for temperature and place in shade if possible.
  • Remove clothing at rest periods, change shirts


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FLUIDS
  • Pre-hydration extremely important, if begin dehydrated, will finish worse.
  • Pre-activity weight should be about the
  •     same day to day.
  • Monitor urine color and volume.
  • Consume 17-20 oz 2-3 hours prior to activity
  • Consume 7-10 oz  10-20 minutes prior to activity
  • Consume 7-10 oz every 10-20 minutes of activity
  • Post-activity hydration in 2hours


  •        NATA Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Athletes; J Athl Train; 2000;35(2):212-224
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FLUIDS
  • Fluids should:
  •         Be cool- 50-59 F
  •         Contain carbohydrate = <8% , no fructose
  •         Contain electrolytes- the more the better
  •         Palatable - increases intake by 15%
  • Avoid:
  •         Caffeine
  •         Alcohol
  •         Carbonated beverages
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PREVENTION
Other Cooling Measures
  • Fans = convection, evaporation
  • Cool-Mist Fans = convection, lower ambient temperature, wet athlete is not good
  • Air Conditioners = convection, evaporation
  • Cooled Benches = conduction


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TMS
  • Conductive heat loss through shoulder pads and pressure-cooled water.
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RISK FACTORS
  • Dehydration:
  •       Illness- vomiting, diarrhea
  •       Medications- diuretics, caffeine
  •       Alcohol
  • Barriers to evaporation: rubber suits, helmets
  • Illness - fever
  • Previous heat illness
  • Obesity: increased BMI = decreased surface area, increased metabolic heat production
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RISK FACTORS
  • High WBGT the day before
  • Poor physical conditioning
  • Excessive or dark colored clothing
  • Overzealousness
  • Lack of acclimatization
  • Medications- antihistamines, anticholinergics, theophylline
  • Supplements - Ephedra,
  • Recreational drugs - cocaine, LSD, PCP
  • Electrolyte imbalance
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RISK FACTORS
  • Medical conditions:
  •       Malignant Hyperthermia
  •       Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
  •       ASCVD
  •       Scleroderma
  •       Cystic Fibrosis
  •       Sickle Cell Trait
  • Children
  • Older athletes
  • Spinal cord injuries


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THE
  • END