Heat exhaustion

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs that can result in death.

References
  1. Heat exhaustion. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec21/ch318/ch318c.html. Accessed Sept. 2, 2009.
  2. Extreme heat: A prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp. Accessed July 7, 2009.
  3. Zimmerman JL, et al. Hyperthermia. In: Hall JB, et al. Principles of Critical Care. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2282701. Accessed July 7, 2009.
  4. Mechem CC. Severe hyperthermia in adults: Heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
  5. Hyperthermia: Too hot for your health. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hyperthermia.htm. Accessed July 7, 2009.
  6. Bouchama A, et al. Heat stroke. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;346:1978.

DS01046

Nov. 21, 2009

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