Publication: Heat Related Illness: Pathophysiology, Manifestations, Treatment and Prevention
Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Hot environment and physical exertion during such hot environment such as agricultural work, sports, labor work etc. may lead to adverse health conditions in different forms and severity. These adverse health conditions due to heat is called heat related illness. In this type of illness hematological, cardiovascular, neurological, and renal dysfunctions are associated with high mortality. So, the people at risk to heat related illness need education to understand basic physiology and training about this illness so that people easily recognize the clinical manifestations of heat related illness and save their lives.
The pathophysiology of severe heat related illness such as heat stroke involves failure in thermoregulatory mechanism and cardiovascular overload, resulting in dangerously increasing core body temperature and subsequent multiorgan injury. Immediate cooling remains the most effective treatment strategy. In this viewpoint, I would like to provide an overview of the current literature emphasizing the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, treatment and prevention of heat related illnesses which might be beneficial to general people and health professionals as well.
Description
Narayan Mahotra
Department of Clinical Physiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.