Heat illnesses in clinical practice

What you need to knowIncreased frequency and intensity of heatwaves are leading to greater incidence of heat illness and exacerbations of heat sensitive disease (eg, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and mental health conditions) globallyPeople over 65, pregnant women, infants, young children, athletes, outdoor workers, those living in urban environments, patients with comorbidities, and those on certain medications are particularly at risk of heat related illnessThe foundations of managing heat illnesses include recognising heat as a cause, removing patients from hot environments, and rapid coolingCase studiesA 14 year old boy is brought by his family to the emergency department after collapsing on the field during a high school football practice. The region has been under a heatwave alert for the past three days, with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C and night time low temperatures of 32°C. The boy’s coach saw him struggling during running exercises, then collapse, and have seizure like activity. The…
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