Treatment of heat injury
Article Abstract:
Every year summer heatwaves cause thousands of heat-related illnesses and hundreds of heat-related deaths, particularly among the elderly. People who have previously suffered from heat stroke are especially susceptible to heat injury, which may aggravate other pre-existing medical conditions. Symptoms of heat injury include nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, faintness, headache, chills, muscle cramps, overbreathing, and poor coordination. Heat stroke refers to body temperatures between 104 and 105.8 degrees fahrenheit; sudden mental changes, ranging from incoherent speech to deep coma, may occur. Heat injury may be brought on or worsened by exercising in hot, humid, or sunny conditions. A wide variety of drugs, from alcohol to antihypertensive medications, may predispose an individual to heat injury by altering the body's ability to regulate its temperature. Heat injury can be successfully treated by the early use of cooling methods, such as total body immersion in ice and ice water. In severe cases, patients may receive intravenous solutions of electrolytes and sugars. It is advised that people, especially the elderly, drink plenty of fluids when they are in hot, humid, or bright weather conditions. People engaged in strenuous exercise should drink electrolyte and sugar solutions, such as Gatorade. These measures should aid in the prevention of heat injury, especially during the summer season. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Treatment of pressure ulcers
Article Abstract:
Pressure ulcers are skin lesions caused by the application of pressure to areas of the body for long periods of time. High pressure applied constantly for two hours causes irreversible tissue damage and deterioration. Malnutrition, incontinence or the inability to control urine or fecal excretion, fractures, and a low level of serum albumin, a blood protein, may also contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. Frequent turning and movement of the patient, relieving pressure, and supplying oxygen to the affected tissue are measures used to treat pressure ulcers. Recently, pressure ulcers were classified into four stages corresponding to the development of the ulcer, starting with a skin rash, the breakdown of dermis or the inner skin layer, ulcer formation in the subcutaneous tissue underlying the skin, and extension of the ulcer to the bone and muscle. Various types of mattresses and beds, nutritional supplements such as protein, zinc, vitamins A and C, and iron, debridement or the removal of dead tissue, and specialized dressings contribute to the healing of pressure ulcers. The effectiveness of various medications and topical ointments is discussed. Pressure ulcers may be prevented by frequent turning and mobilization of the patient, care of incontinence, and newer types of mattresses, whereas air-fluidized beds, nutritional supplements and specialized dressings help to heal these lesions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
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