8 Hidden Heat Stroke Warning Signs Doctors Can't Ignore

8 Hidden Heat Stroke Warning Signs Doctors Can't Ignore

M Hasan    5:35 PM   

Understanding Heat Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Immediate Actions

There are few things that feel better than a brisk walk outside on a warm, sunny day. However, if you're working hard in sweltering temperatures, you may be putting yourself at risk for heat stroke. While it does take time for heat exhaustion to develop into heat stroke, knowing the possible heat stroke symptoms can be the difference between staying safe and healthy and putting your body in a dangerous position.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are similar but have some key differences. Heat exhaustion comes down to a couple of factors: exposure to uncomfortably high temperatures over several days and a lack of fluids. This can lead to lots of sweating, rapid breathing, and a fast but weak pulse.

Types of Heat Stroke

There are two forms of heat stroke, explained by J. Luke Pryor, Ph.D., A.T.C., C.S.C.S., a kinesiologist and researcher in the Hydration, Exercise, and Thermoregulation Laboratory in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Buffalo.

Classic Heat Stroke

Classic heat stroke generally comes on gradually and affects very young and elderly people who have trouble maintaining their core body temperature. People who don’t have a way of cooling down—say, folks who live in a building without air conditioning during a heat wave—are also at risk of classic heat stroke. In these instances, the person may not realize they’ve become hot because their body temperature is steadily rising over many hours or days.

Exertional Heat Stroke

Exertional heat stroke is more sudden and occurs in people who are active in high temperatures. In fact, heat-related illness can come on within hours on particularly hot and humid days. It can affect anyone exercising in the heat, but those who are doing strenuous activity—such as endurance athletes (like runners and soccer players), football players (who sweat it out in stifling equipment), and laborers (like construction workers)—face the highest risk.

“When we begin to exercise, we produce an incredible amount of heat,” Pryor explained. Typically, our sweat cools us down, but with exertional heat stroke, that doesn’t happen. When your organs overheat (which can occur during outdoor workouts on sweltering days) your body’s temperature-control center can malfunction.

So in turn, your internal temperature rises—and when it reaches 104 or 105°F, that’s when things start to get really dangerous. When you get that hot, the cells inside of your intestines get damaged, which can leak toxic substances into your blood and cause multiple organs to fail, Pryor said.

8 Heat Stroke Symptoms to Look For

How do you know if you're dealing with heat stroke? Experiencing one or more of these signs means it's time to take action.

1. High Body Temperature
   If your body temperature hits 104°F or higher, you could be dealing with heat stroke. If you take someone’s temperature and it’s lower than that—but they still exhibit other heat stroke symptoms or feel that something is wrong—you should still do what you can to cool them down and get medical help.

2. Muscle Cramps
   Also known as heat cramps, muscle cramps can be one of the earliest symptoms of heat-related illness during exercise. You may experience painful spasms—particularly in your legs, arms, or abdomen—when you sweat it out in high heat.

3. A Lack of Sweat—or an Abundance of It
   When you spend a long time in extreme heat, your body stops trying to maintain its core internal temperature. So during traditional heat stroke, you may actually stop sweating. However, you’ll probably start sweating like crazy if you’re experiencing exertional heat stroke.

4. Confusion or Trouble Walking
   Exertional heat stroke throws your central nervous system out of whack, so a lack of coordination, confusion, aggression, or the inability to walk are huge red flags.

5. A Poundin Headache
   A throbbing headache is another common sign of heat stroke. This symptom is typically due to dehydration or the overall impact heat stroke has on the central nervous system.

6. Dizziness, Nausea, or Vomiting
   As you continue to sweat, your body will become increasingly dehydrated. The heat will start to affect various organs, all of which can exacerbate any of the heat stroke symptoms on this list and can lead to dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.

7. Skin Redness
   In instances of both traditional and exertional heat stroke, the body directs blood flow toward the skin as it tries to cool itself down, making it appear red.

8. Elevated Heart Rate or Trouble Breathing
   Your heart is put under an immense amount of stress when you overheat. Why? It needs to pump harder and faster to make sure your body’s natural cooling systems are working to keep your temperature balanced.

What to Do If You Think Someone Has Heat Stroke

The best thing you can do is rapidly and aggressively cool the person down while you wait for help to arrive. Here are a few measures he said you can take:

• Move the person to a cooler place. Get them out of the sun and into the shade or a cool room indoors.
• Fill a tub with ice water and have the person soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If a tub is not available, hose them down with cold water, pour a bottle of water over their body, or take them to a nearby lake, river, or anywhere with cool water.
• Get them to drink water or a sports drink. This might be difficult if the person is extremely light-headed, confused, and irritable, so you might need to wait until they cool down before they can tolerate fluids.

11 Reasons for Outer Foot Pain

11 Reasons for Outer Foot Pain

M Hasan    6:17 AM   

Understanding and Managing Lateral Foot Pain

Pain on the outer side of your foot can be both uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. It may range from a dull ache to sharp, burning sensations that make standing or walking difficult. While lateral foot pain is less common than other types of foot pain, such as heel pain or toe pain, it can still be a significant issue for many individuals. Identifying the cause of this pain is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Lateral foot pain, also known as pain on the outside of the foot, has a wide range of potential causes. These include conditions like ankle sprains, arthritis, bunionettes, cuboid syndrome, fractures, sinus tarsi syndrome, stress fractures, tendinopathies, and more. Each of these conditions presents unique symptoms and requires different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Lateral Foot Pain

1. Ankle Sprains
   Ankle sprains are among the most frequent causes of lateral foot pain, particularly in individuals with high arches. They often occur during activities that involve sudden changes in direction or twisting of the foot. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Treatment typically involves the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or supportive devices like braces or walking boots.

2. Arthritis
   Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints of the foot. Osteoarthritis involves the wear and tear of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects joint lining. Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, and treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery.

3. Bunionettes
   A bunionette, also known as a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the pinky toe. It can become painful due to friction from tight shoes. Relief can often be achieved by wearing shoes with a wide toe box or using cushioned pads to reduce pressure on the affected area.

4. Cuboid Syndrome
   Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes dislocated. It is common among athletes, especially ballet dancers. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the foot, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Treatment may involve manipulation of the bone, orthotics, and physical therapy.

5. Fifth Metatarsal Fractures
   The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside edge of the foot. Fractures in this area, such as avulsion fractures and Jones fractures, can be caused by overuse or injury. Avulsion fractures often heal quickly with rest and a walking boot, while Jones fractures may require casting or surgery.

6. Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
   Sinus tarsi syndrome involves inflammation in the tunnel-shaped space between the heel and ankle bones. It can cause persistent pain and instability. Treatment includes RICE, orthotics, and physical therapy, with surgery as a last resort.

7. Stress Fractures
   Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are common in athletes and individuals with weak bones. Symptoms include localized tenderness and pain during activity. Diagnosis is often confirmed with an MRI, and treatment may involve rest, immobilization, or surgery.

8. Tendinopathies
   Tendinopathies refer to injuries of the tendons, including Achilles and peroneal tendinitis. These conditions can cause pain on the outside of the foot and are often treated with rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

9. Achilles Tendinitis
   Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. It can cause pain at the back of the heel and sometimes on the outside of the foot. Treatment includes RICE, stretching, and physical therapy.

10. Peroneal Tendinitis
    Peroneal tendinitis affects the tendons that run along the outside of the ankle. It is common in athletes with tight calf muscles. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the foot and ankle, and treatment may involve orthotics, braces, and physical therapy.

11. Painful Os Peroneum Syndrome (POPS)
    POPS involves a small bone within the peroneus longus tendon that can become fractured or trapped, causing pain. Treatment is similar to peroneal tendinitis and may include RICE, orthotics, and, in severe cases, surgery.

12. Tarsal Coalition
    Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition where two bones in the foot are fused together. It can lead to a rigid foot and frequent sprains. Treatment may include orthotics, physical therapy, or surgery if conservative methods fail.

Preventing Lateral Foot Pain

Preventing lateral foot pain starts with proper footwear. Wearing well-fitted shoes that provide adequate support can help avoid many of the conditions that cause pain. Athletes should gradually increase their training intensity and incorporate lower-impact activities into their routines. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can also support bone health and reduce the risk of stress fractures.

If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.

12 Deadly Medical Conditions You Can Die From in a Day

12 Deadly Medical Conditions You Can Die From in a Day

M Hasan    6:11 AM   

Understanding the Most Deadly Medical Conditions

Some diseases can be extremely deadly, and while heart attacks and strokes are well-known causes of sudden death, infectious diseases also pose significant risks. According to Robert Citronberg, MD, director of infectious diseases at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, various factors determine whether someone becomes ill and how severe their condition may be. These include genetics, the aggressiveness of a pathogen, and other individual health factors.

Common Causes of Death

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, with someone dying from a stroke every four minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications can be effective if administered within three hours.

Infectious Diseases That Can Be Fatal

Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness found in parts of South America, Africa, and Asia, can be life-threatening. The parasite P. falciparum is particularly dangerous as it rapidly destroys red blood cells, which are essential for delivering oxygen throughout the body. Travelers should consult a travel medicine specialist for preventive measures, including medication.

Severe dengue, another mosquito-borne infection, affects half the world's population. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. If left untreated, it can progress to severe dengue, which can be fatal. There is no vaccine for dengue, so prevention through mosquito repellent is crucial.

Sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for 325,000 adult deaths in the U.S. each year. It is often caused by an arrhythmia, where the heart beats abnormally. Immediate treatment is essential, as death can occur within minutes if not addressed.

Rare but Deadly Infections

Pneumonic plague, transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected individuals, can be fatal within 18 to 24 hours if not treated with antibiotics. Meningococcemia, a rare disease caused by meningococcal bacteria, can lead to rapid organ failure and death. Those without a spleen are at higher risk, and vaccination is the best form of prevention.

Cholera, caused by contaminated food or water, leads to severe dehydration and can kill within hours. Oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids are necessary for treatment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes, occurs when insulin levels are too low, leading to the buildup of ketones in the blood. Symptoms include headaches, muscle stiffness, and nausea. Prompt treatment with insulin and fluids is critical to prevent serious complications.

Rapidly Progressive Infections

Invasive group A streptococcal infections, also known as "flesh-eating" infections, can develop quickly after a skin break. They require immediate identification, antibiotics, and surgery to remove affected tissue. Individuals without a spleen are more susceptible.

Septic shock, a severe reaction to infection, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Research shows that only 50% of patients receive care within six hours, and survival rates decrease by 7.6% for every hour delayed.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a bacterial infection that spreads toxins throughout the body. It can be associated with tampon use or open wounds. Symptoms include high fever, a red rash, and skin shedding. TSS can lead to amputations or death if not treated promptly.

Hantavirus, contracted through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, has a fatality rate of 38%. It presents with flu-like symptoms, making early detection difficult. Patients suspected of having hantavirus typically require intensive care.

Preventive Measures and Awareness

Understanding these conditions and their symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. Preventive measures such as vaccinations, proper hygiene, and awareness of risk factors can significantly reduce the chances of developing these life-threatening illnesses. Early recognition and prompt medical attention are key to improving outcomes and saving lives.