The Diagnosis and Emergency Care of Heat Related Illness and Sunburn in Athletes: A Retrospective Case Series (Report)
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 2010, April, 54, 2
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Introduction Heat related illnesses and sunburn are extremely common but dramatically under reported.1 Heat illness, including heat edema, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, contribute to significant morbidity as well as occasional mortality in athletic, elderly, paediatric and disabled populations. (1,2) The incidence of heatstroke alone, in urban areas of the United States during times of high ambient temperature, is upwards of 20 cases per 100,000 people, and accounts for at least 240 deaths annually. (2) Among US high school athletes, "heat illness is the third leading cause of death." (1) Although often associated, sunburn is not considered a true heat illness since it is a direct result of excessive sunlight exposure, whereas heat illness is a result of an increase in body temperature. (1-3) The data from 4,023 respondents of the 1996 Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours (NSSE&PB) indicated that; 53% of Canadians of age 15 years or older experience one or more sunburns during a summer, 68% of those being between the ages of 15 and 24, and a higher proportion of males reported sunburn than females. (3) Evidence suggests that sun exposure leading to sunburn, including a history of sunburn at young ages, increases the risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and possibly squamous cell carcinomas. (4) In addition to the risks of cancer, sunburn is commonly associated with heat exhaustion and heatstroke. (5) These are alarming statistics, considering that heat illnesses and sunburns are almost completely preventable, especially in a sporting situation. (1,2)