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Pulse Normal But Skin Flushed, Disoriented, Talking Slowly. Could This Be Heat Exhaustion Symptoms ?
Hi. Thanks. I have a coworker that is suffering from at least heat exhaustion and hopefully not heat stroke. 26 yr old male. Relatively fit. We work outside all day in Wyoming prairie (little shade) doing wildlife research. I was not there for the onset but saw him ~1 hour after, description sounded like S/S of heat exhaustion, but with I think what would be considered more than normal disorientation. When I got to him his pulse was normal (high 50s), RR seemed normal from me getting him to talk a lot. Skin somewhat flushed but not extreme. His temp is ~97.2. What worries me the most is he is able to accurately answer all my questions but very slowly and I have to kind of demand an answer. I told him I was taking him to the hospital and he perked up a bit (I suspect a little exaggeration).
He slept poorly last night. Skipped breakfast, and ate and drank very little prior to the incident. He's home now, got food, water, a/c, etc.
Likely recovering from heat exhaustion?
He slept poorly last night. Skipped breakfast, and ate and drank very little prior to the incident. He's home now, got food, water, a/c, etc.
Likely recovering from heat exhaustion?
Fri, 23 Aug 2013
Dear patient,
Indeed, with the exposure and normal vitals, heat exhaustion is more likely, as heat stroke would have tachycardia, an abnormally high body temperature and inability to sweat accordingly; rest, adequate hydration and avoiding direct sun exposure for the next couple of days will be indicate; nevertheless, he should be aware of any increased obtundation, confusion, severe nausea, vomiting, etc which may signal a more grave condition and would need to be evaluated in an ER.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
Indeed, with the exposure and normal vitals, heat exhaustion is more likely, as heat stroke would have tachycardia, an abnormally high body temperature and inability to sweat accordingly; rest, adequate hydration and avoiding direct sun exposure for the next couple of days will be indicate; nevertheless, he should be aware of any increased obtundation, confusion, severe nausea, vomiting, etc which may signal a more grave condition and would need to be evaluated in an ER.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
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