SUNSTROKE.
Two conditions result from exposure to excessive heat: thermic fever and heat exhaustion.
In thermic fever, after prodromal symptoms consisting of headache, nausea, and vomiting, there are stupor or coma, fever ranging from 105° to 110° F., flushing of the face, contraction of the pupils, a rapid, full pulse, and noisy respirations.
Management.—Pack the patient in ice, and rub with ice. Ice-water enemas may also be given. Bleeding and the subcutaneous administration of normal salt solution are sometimes efficacious.
In heat exhaustion consciousness is not lost; the skin is cold and moist; the respirations are shallow and rapid, but not noisy; and the pulse is feeble.
Management.—The patient should be covered with blankets and surrounded with hot bottles. Aromatic spirit of ammonia (30 minims), whisky, and black coffee are useful stimulants.