Symptoms and manifestation of heat stroke

Heat stroke results from breakdown of thermoregulatory mechanism and there may be exertional and non exertional type of heat stroke. Obesity, diabetes, debility etc are the predisposing factors. The details are at Heat Stroke

Effect of heat stroke

Nearly all the tissues are susceptible to heat injury. High temerature raises basal metabolic rate and results in denaturation of enzymes, liquefaction of lipids and protein coagulation.

Tissue injury depends on depends on absolute tissue temperature and duration of exposure. Nearly all systems of body are involved in heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stroke

As mentioned above nearly all system of body are affectd in heat stroke main being cardiovascular, nervous, renal and hepatic system. The symptoms are according to the effect on these organs.

Neurological symptoms of heat stroke

Neurological symptoms of heat stroke includes altered mental status, confusion, disorientation and seizures. In severe cases there may be stupor and patient may land up in coma. Some patients developing severe neurological features may survive but may be left with permanent neurological complications like dementia, amnesia and even hemiparesis. There may be ataxia, dysarthria and even neuropathies.

Cardiovascular symptoms of heat stroke

The pulse which is initially of good volume becomes weak and feeble as the shock may supervene, there may be hypotension and cardiovascular collapse due to myocardial injury and hypoxia. There may be irregularity in pulse that is arrythmias. In severe cases even death may occur due to circulatory collapse and sudden cardiac arrest.

Renal symptoms of heat stroke

There may be acute renal failure due to acute tubular necrosis which is induced by ischemia and myoglobin in urine caused by muscle injury by heat (rhabdomyolysis)

Gastrointestinal symptoms of heat stroke

The mucosa of gastrointestinal tract in injured which induces symptoms like nausea and vomitting.

Hepatic symptoms of heat stroke

There may be liver injury and even damage due to direct heat injury which may result in jaundice. In investigation we may see elevated bilirubin and SGPT. This liver injury my lead to coagulopathy lately.

Symptoms of heat stroke due to coagulopathy

Injury of clotting factors may take place resulting in petechiae and echymossis. Platelet count may be reduced. Disseminated intravascular coagulation can occur in severe cases.

Cutaneous symptoms of heat stroke

Heat stroke may lead to metabolic acidosis and lactic acid is accumulated leading to acidotic breathing. There may be loss of glucose and minerals and hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hypokalemia may occur.

Thus heat stroke can be medical emergency and early management is necessary which can be not only life saving but also can save from some permanent disability. See details of treatment at management of heat stroke.