Hyperthermia
In this algorithm we look at the fate of a young runner who suffered from overheating. Hyperthermia is a serious and life-threatening condition that is caused by a combination of high ambient temperature and excessive physical exercise. It can affect both predisposed and completely healthy and young individuals. This condition can result in many organ failures with the need for transplantation and even death. Many cases of hyperthermia are preventable with proper preparation.
Review
Heat stroke from overheating of the body is often an underestimated danger for professional and hobby athletes. The uncontrolled rapid rise in body temperature during sports performance represents a medical urgency which requires an active approach even in pre-hospital care with the start of early active cooling with subsequent transport to the hospital facility. Untreated, it can lead to multiorgan failure syndrome and death. The presented algorithm describes the typical initial symptoms of overheating and heat stroke and very nicely summarizes the fundamental steps in prehospital and hospital care. It draws attention to the need for the organizers to be prepared for similar situations during mass sport events and raises the awareness of the professional public about this infrequent diagnosis.
Sources
CREECH, Julie and Deena WASSERMAN. Cooling Techniques For Hyperthermia. StatPearls [online]. 20.10.2021, 2021 [cit. 2022-04-03]. Available at: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/19961
MATĚJOVIČ, Martin, Libor VÍTEK, Jiří DOSTAL, Jiří BALÁŠ and Michal BOTEK. METODICKÉ LISTY: Tepelné trauma ve sportu. Victoria VCS [online]. 3/2020, 23-36 [cit. 2022-04-03]. Available at: https://www.vsc.cz/docs/Tepelne_trauma_ve_sportu.pdf
ANZCOR Guideline 9.3.4: Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia). New Zealand resuscitation counsil [online]. New Zealand, 9/2020, 1-5 [cit. 2022-04-03]. Available at: https://www.nzrc.org.nz/assets/Guidelines/First-Aid/ANZCOR-Guideline-9.3.4-Hyperthermia-September-2020.pdf
GLAZER, JAMES L. Management of Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion. AAFP [online]. Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine: AAFP, 1.6.2005 [cit. 2022-04-03]. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0601/afp20050601p2133.pdf
LOTT, Carsten, Anatolij TRUHLÁŘ and Annette ALFONZO. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. European resuscitation counsil [online]. 2845 Niel Belgium [cit. 2022-04-03]. Available at: https://www.cprguidelines.eu/assets/guidelines/European-Resuscitation-Council-Guidelines-2021-Ca.pdf
Learning targets
2. Student knows basic and andvanced treatment of hyperthermia.
3. Student knows complications of hyperthermia.
