Author/Editor		Bručan, Andrej
Title		Akutna stanja zaradi vpliva visoke zunanje temperature na organizem
Translated title		Acute conditions due to influence of high ambient temperatue on organism
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja 6. Zbornik 7. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 2000 jun 14-17; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 153-61
Language		slo
Abstract		Exposure to the sun or a high ambient temperature and humidity has a harmful effect on health. Heat stroke is the most serious manifestation of this effect and the muost frequent cause of death associated with elevated environmental temperature. Many cases of heat-related illness and death still remain undiagnosed. Heat illness results from failure of the temperature-regulating system and/or an imbalance between the production and loss of body heat. Heat production is enhanced by strenuous physical activity. Loss of heat from the body can occur by radiation, convection, conduction or evaporation. The response of the body to temperature changes is influenced by hormones that govern the concentration of sodium and water. The main factors affecting temperature regulation are a rise in ambient temperature and increased production and loss of body heat. Conditions occurring as a result of exposure to high ambient temperatures and failure of the thermoregulatory apparatus include heat oedema, rash, syncope, cramps, convulsions, dehydration and heat stroke. The treatment of serious forms of heat illness (heat stroke) is aimed mainly at reducing the core temperature with the use of various cooling techniques. Severe forms of illness due to increased environmental temperature are rarely encountered in Slovenian emergency departments. Out of 16 patients treated for heat illness at the Emergency Medical Service in Ljubljana over the past 12 years, only four had signs of heat stroke with the core temperature over 41 degrees C, abnormal laboratory values, especially urea, creatinine and blood count, and deranged acidbase status. None of the patients died. Six were admitted to the Department of Intensive Internal Medicine because of disordered mentation of various degrees. In all the patients, the development of heat stroke was preceded by strenuous phvsical activity (jogging).
Descriptors		HEAT STRESS DISORDERS HEAT HEAT STROKE BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION HEAT EXHAUSTION EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OBESITY ALCOHOL DRINKING SKIN DISEASES SYNCOPE, VASOVAGAL DIAGNOSIS, DIFFERENTIAL