Heat Stress Symptoms and Treatment for an Athlete
The student athlete involved in fall sports often has an increased risk of heat stress as the athletic season resumes after a summer break. Overexertion in the hot, humid summer days is a real danger. Athletic coaches are trained to monitor the heat index, and to take precautions. A Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) is an instrument used to measure the heat index. It calculates the relative humidity and the air temperature to measure how hot it will feel to the human body. If it is 96 °F day with relative humidity at 45% then the weather will feel like 104°F. Generally a heat index of 105°F is a cause for concern. There are three levels of heat stress: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and a heat stroke.
If the student experiences cramping and spasms, this is an indication that the body is beginning to overheat. The most important thing to do for heat cramps is to get to a cooler area, stop the physical activity, and to drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. A wet cloth will help to cool the body down.
The next level is heat exhaustion. The body loses fluid at a rapid pace due to heavy sweating in a hot, humid environment. The flow of blood increases to the skin and decreases from the vital functioning of the organs. The skin color may be very pale or very red, but will feel cool and moist. The student may feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a sudden headache. Vomiting is a good indication of heat exhaustion. Check the body temperature. It will be near normal at around 98.6 °F. It is important to get the person to rest in a comfortable position. Loosen any tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels to the skin. If alert and awake give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give drinks with caffeine. Call 911 if the student refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness.
A heat stroke is life-threatening. The body's cooling system is shutting down, and is unable to regulate the body temperature . The body can not sweat, which results in a rising body temperature, sometimes as high as 105 °F. This is extremely dangerous and may cause brain damage if the body is not cooled as quickly as possible. In addition to hot, red, dry skin, the pulse will be rapid and weak, and the breathing will be rapid and shallow. Call 911 immediately! Help is needed fast. While waiting, try to get the body into a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch the breathing carefully for any signs of distress. Allow the student small drinks of cool water if possible. Vomiting or loss of consciousness can also be indications of a heat stroke.
A Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer, also known as a Heat Index Meter, should be a part of every athletic department to determine safe training and workouts for students.
