Facing Hot Environments

Athletes that compete in hot environments are enhancing the chances of heat stress.  Heat stress can cause a wide range of problems, from mild heat rashes and cramps to serious and life threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  As coaches, parents, and fellow teammates, we need to make sure we are educated on the symptoms and treatments of heat conditions.  It is possible that this can assist you in saving a life.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a mild symptom caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather

Symptoms

·         Symptoms include rash that look like a cluster of pimples or small blisters

·         More than likely on upper chest, in the groin, under the breast, and in elbow creases

Treatments

·         Try to practice in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.

·         Keep the affected area dry.

·         Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps usually affect athletes who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms

·         Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.

Treatments

·         Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.

·         Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.

·       Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Also seek medical attention if any of the following apply:

·         The athlete has heart problems.

·         The athlete is on a low-sodium diet.

·         The cramps do not subside within one hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. With heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises as high as 104 F (40 C) and you may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting, weakness, and cold, clammy skin. If left untreated, this can lead to heatstroke.

Symptoms

·         Heavy sweating

·         Extreme weakness or fatigue

·         Dizziness, confusion

·         Nausea

·         Clammy, moist skin

·         Pale or flushed complexion

·         Muscle cramps

·         Slightly elevated body temperature

·         Fast and shallow breathing

Treatments

·         Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.

·         Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

·         Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Heat Stroke

The Center for Disease Control describes heat stroke as the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Symptoms

·         Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

·         Hallucinations

·         Chills

·         Throbbing headache

·         High body temperature

·         Confusion/dizziness

·         Slurred speech

Treatments

·         Call 911 and notify their supervisor.

·         Move the sick athlete to a cool shaded area.

·         Cool the athlete using methods such as:

·         Soaking their clothes with water.

·         Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.

·         Fanning their body.

Early recognition and fast treatment of an evolving heat stroke can possibly save a life. Since 1995, an average of three football players a year have died of heat stroke. Heat stroke also threatens runners and other athletes; in the 2001 Chicago Marathon, a young man in his first marathon collapsed of heat stroke at 26 miles and died soon after.2 If we take the time to educate ourselves properly we can lower the percentage of heat illnesses in sports.

1.HEAT ILLNESS | Coach Safely (HEAT ILLNESS | Coach Safely)

http://www.coachsafely.com/heat-illness/

2. SSE #86: Heat Stroke in Sports: Causes, Prevention and Treatment (Gatorade Sports Science Institute)

http://www.gssiweb.org/Article/sse-86-heat-stroke-in-sports-causes-prevention-and-treatment