User:Selowe/Heat exhaustion

Stated goals/things of improvement to be posted on talk page of article

• Clarification and Consistency: Ensure consistent terminology throughout the article.

• Clarify the distinction between heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses in the introduction.
• Expand on the pathophysiology of heat exhaustion, explaining the biological mechanisms leading to symptoms such as dehydration, electrolyte loss, and impaired thermoregulation.
• Provide more detailed preventive measures, including specific recommendations for different populations (e.g., athletes, outdoor workers, elderly).
• Include information on the role of acclimatization in preventing heat-related illnesses.
• Ensure the signs and symptoms are clearly categorized into common and less common symptoms
• Add a brief explanation of why certain symptoms may be less common.
• Expand on the causes to include more detail about how specific risk factors (e.g., certain medications, high body fat) contribute to heat exhaustion.
• Discuss how environmental factors like humidity exacerbate the risk.
• Provide more detailed descriptions of diagnostic tests, including why each test is performed and what results indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Include information on differential diagnosis to distinguish heat exhaustion from other conditions with similar symptoms.
• Expand on first aid measures with step-by-step guidance and explain the rationale behind each action.
• Detail the emergency medical treatment process, including potential complications and how they are managed.
• Add information on follow-up care and monitoring for individuals who have experienced heat exhaustion.
• Discuss the long-term prognosis and any potential lasting effects.
• Incorporate visual aids, such as infographics or flowcharts, to help readers quickly understand prevention, symptoms, and treatment steps.
• Ensure all statements are backed by reliable sources. Where possible, provide updated references to recent studies or guidelines from reputable health organizations.
• Discuss the impact of heat exhaustion in different climates and regions, considering factors like climate change and urbanization.
• Include public health recommendations for communities to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as public cooling centers and community education programs.

Article Draft (Please do not erase, cross through content that is edited)

Lead (recommend working on this last)

[Insert here]

Signs and symptoms

Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke, U.S. National Weather Service resource

Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Elevated heart rate
• Lowered blood pressure
• Elevated core body temperature
• Excessive sweating
• Dehydration
• Loss of electrolytes
• Significant weakness
• Fatigue
• Persistent muscle cramps
• Skin tingling
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness, light-headedness
• Irritability
• Headache

Less common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Paling of the skin
• Hot and dry skin
• Syncope
• Loss of spatial awareness and/or control of bodily movements
• Central nervous system dysfunction (e.g., seizures, loss of spatial awareness, loss of bodily movement control, etc.)

These symptoms may also fall under other heat-related illnesses like Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion can also be associated with other heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a more severe heat-related illness that shares common symptoms with heat exhaustion but is more likely to cause hot and dry skin, paling of the skin, and dysfunction of the central nervous system (e.g., seizures, loss of spatial awareness, loss of bodily movement control, etc.). This dysfunction is the primary differentiator between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. is a severe condition as heat-related illness and falls closely to similar symptoms to heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat stroke that differ from heat exhaustion include hot but dry skin, flushed coloration of the skin, and central nervous system dysfunction. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke can lead to multi-organ failure and death, making it a more critical medical emergency. Heat stroke is much more severe in nature in comparison to heat exhaustion in that it can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

Medication (Draft) - finished on article

The body naturally responds to extreme temperatures by sweating to maintain thermoregulation and lower the body temperature. However, medications taken for chronic conditions, such as diuretics, anti-hypertensives, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, and antidepressants, can impact these thermoregulation processes. These medications can cause electrolyte imbalances, drug-induced hypohidrosis, or drug-induced hyperhydrosis, which can disrupt an individual's ability to regulate body temperature by affecting sweat production. This can lead to heat intolerance, where an individual may feel more sensitive to higher temperatures, increasing the risks of heat exhaustion.

Anticholinergic medications can impair sweat responses, resulting in common adverse effects consisting of dry mouth, which leads to increased thirst and dehydration. Similarly, other medications containing anticholinergic properties, such as certain antidepressants and antihistamines, can also induce comparable side effects such as dry mouth and dehydration. For patients at risk of or experiencing heat exacerbation, taking medications with anticholinergic properties can further worsen their condition.

Talk about the study and ACEi/diuretics next - note to self LOL

Causes (Draft) - finished on article

As global temperatures continue to rise, there is growing evidence linking higher temperatures to a range of diseases, disorders, and increased mortality and morbidity rates. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts an upward trend in temperatures, rising by up to 1.5°C in the future as a result of ongoing greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, are leading to more intense and frequent heat waves, putting populations with greater susceptibility to heat exhaustion, such as children, older adults, and individuals with chronic diseases, more at risk.

Common causes of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses include:

• Hot, sunny, or humid weather
• Prolonged heat exposure
• Physical exertion through work, exercise, or sports, particularly in high temperatures
• Tight or non-breathable clothing that traps heat
• Dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake or as a side effect of certain medications
• Overhydration due to depletion of electrolytes and bodily fluids
• Medications affecting thermoregulation

Peer Review Draft

Fiona:

1. Yes, the group’s edits substantially improve the article. The introductory paragraph summarizes the topics in the article and gives a brief description of what electronic cigarettes are. The content added are up-to-date and written from a neutral standpoint. It explores both the advantages and disadvantages of electronic cigarettes throughout the years. Overall, the article provides valuable information and covers multiple perspectives.
2. The group achieved its overall goals for improvement. I also enjoyed the addition of images and charts throughout the article. The title is short and simple, and the introductory lead is direct and easy to read. The quotations are cited to their original source, and there are links to other Wikipedia articles for definitions, making the content more accessible to a wider audience.
3. b. The claims in the article are verifiable with cited sources freely available, such as information from the CDC, World Health Organization, and articles from PubMed.