American family physician
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Heat-related illnesses cause 240 deaths annually. Although common in athletes, heat-related illnesses also affect the elderly, persons with predisposing medical conditions and those taking a variety of medications. Symptoms range from mild weakness, dizziness and fatigue in cases of heat edema, to syncope, exhaustion and multisystem complications, including coma and death, in cases of heat stroke. ⋯ These therapies should be instituted while the patient is being stabilized. Heat illness may be prevented by recognizing which individuals are at risk, using appropriate hydration and paying attention to acclimatization and environmental conditions. Preventive care should include drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after activities, gradually increasing the time spent working in the heat and avoiding exertion during the hottest part of the day.