Heat-Related Illness
Overview
Heat-related illness (온열질환) is an acute disease group that occurs when the thermoregulatory center loses normal function due to prolonged exposure to heat stress, such as high temperature, humidity, or strong solar radiation. Representative types include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat syncope. In particular, heat stroke has a high mortality rate, making prompt emergency treatment essential. Globally, the frequency of heat-related illnesses is continuously rising due to climate change and increasing heatwave days, and in South Korea, it is drawing attention as a summer health threat.
Main Content
1. Causes and Risk Factors
The direct cause of heat-related illness is an imbalance between heat production and heat dissipation in the body. Key triggers include high-temperature, high-humidity environments, windless conditions, direct sunlight exposure, strenuous physical activity, and inadequate fluid intake. Especially vulnerable groups include the elderly, infants, those with chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity), outdoor workers, athletes, and low-income individuals. Alcohol consumption and certain medications (diuretics, antihistamines, antipsychotics) also impair thermoregulatory ability.
2. Main Types and Symptoms
- Heat stroke: The most severe form. Body temperature rises above 40°C, accompanied by central nervous system abnormalities (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness). The skin is hot and dry (anhidrosis), and the pulse is rapid and strong. Immediate emergency medical care is required; delay can lead to death or permanent disability.
- Heat exhaustion: Body temperature 37–40°C, heavy sweating, pale and cool skin, headache, dizziness, vomiting, weakness. Recovery is possible with adequate rest and fluid replenishment, but if neglected, it can progress to heat stroke.
- Heat cramps: Painful muscle contractions in the legs, abdomen, etc., during strenuous exercise. Primarily caused by electrolyte loss (especially sodium) through sweat.
- Heat syncope: Fainting due to temporary reduction in cerebral blood flow from vasodilation in high-temperature environments. Usually recovers after rest.
3. Diagnosis and Tests
Clinical symptoms and body temperature measurement are fundamental. If heat stroke is suspected, blood tests (liver and kidney function, electrolytes, blood coagulation), urinalysis, and electrocardiography are performed to assess multi-organ damage. Differential diagnoses include stroke, drug intoxication, and infectious diseases.
4. Treatment and Emergency Care
- On-site emergency care: Immediately move to shade or an air-conditioned area, remove clothing, cool by spraying water or applying ice packs (armpits, groin, neck), and use a fan to circulate air. If conscious, have the person drink cool water in small amounts frequently. If unconscious or having seizures, secure the airway and call 119.
- Hospital treatment: Intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, external cooling devices (cooling blankets, cooled intravenous fluids), and if necessary, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, etc. Heat stroke patients receive intensive care in the ICU.
5. Prevention
- Fluid intake: Drink water regularly before feeling thirsty (1–2 cups every hour). For strenuous activity, replenish electrolytes with sports drinks.
- Behavioral guidelines: Avoid outdoor activities between 12 PM and 5 PM, wear loose, light-colored clothing, use hats and sunglasses, and use air conditioning.
- Protection of vulnerable groups: Regularly check on elderly individuals living alone, children, and those with chronic diseases. Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
- Workplace management: Provide outdoor workers with sufficient rest breaks and shade, adjust work-rest cycles, and monitor heat stress indices.
Recent Trends
As of 2024–2025, the intensity and frequency of heatwaves are increasing globally, leading to a sharp rise in heat-related illness cases. The Korea Meteorological Administration recorded the summer of 2024 as an 'unprecedented heatwave,' and according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses, over 3,500 cases were reported from May to September 2024 (a 30% increase from the previous year). Incidence rates were particularly high among those aged 65 and older and outdoor workers (construction, agriculture, delivery). Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommend 'Heat-Health Action Plans' to countries, expanding early warning systems and urban heat island mitigation policies (green roofs, reflective paint, shade structures). Additionally, AI-based heatwave prediction models and wearable device technology for personalized heat stress monitoring are entering the commercialization phase. In 2025, a revision of the 'Heatwave Vulnerable Group Protection Act' was proposed in South Korea, promoting expanded cooling cost support and mandatory real-time safety alert services.
Related Topics
- [[Heat stroke]]
- [[Heatwave]]
- [[Thermoregulation]]
- [[Sunstroke]]
- [[Outdoor worker health management]]
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