Thermal exhaustion of the body
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Thermal exhaustion is not a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by general weakness, malaise, nausea, syncope, and other nonspecific symptoms associated with heat exposure. In this case, the thermoregulation is not violated.
Thermal depletion develops due to water-electrolyte disturbances associated with heat exposure in combination with or without physical exertion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion of the body
Symptoms of heat exhaustion of the body are often nonspecific, and patients may not understand what was their cause. There may be general weakness, headaches, nausea, sometimes vomiting. Fainting associated with prolonged exposure to heat (heat fainting) is characteristic of heat exhaustion and may be similar to manifestations of cardiovascular pathology. Upon examination, the patient appears weakened, sweating and tachycardia are noted. Mental status is usually normal, in contrast to heat stroke. Body temperature in most cases is within the normal range, and with an increase usually not higher than 40 ° C.
Diagnosis of heat exhaustion of the body
The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical data, in most cases it is necessary to exclude other causes of loss of consciousness (eg, hypoglycemia, acute coronary syndrome, various infectious diseases). Laboratory tests are only needed for differential diagnosis.
[Treatment of heat exhaustion of the body
First of all, the patient must be moved to a cool place and put. Treatment includes intravenous fluids and replenishment of electrolyte losses, usually with the help of 0.9% sodium chloride solution; Oral rehydration does not provide adequate compensation for electrolytes. The intensity and volume of rehydration depends on the patient's age, concomitant pathology and clinical effect. Usually it is enough to administer 1-2 liters of fluid at a rate of 500 ml / h. Elderly patients and patients with cardiovascular disease may need a slightly lower rate of administration; when hypovolemia is suspected, a faster administration is required initially. External cooling (see the corresponding section) is usually not necessary. In rare cases, severe heat exhaustion after severe physical exertion can be complicated by rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation.