[Heatstroke]

Abstract

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are the most important heat syndromes. Heat stroke must be recognized as a medical emergency. Inappropriate delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to death caused by functional impairment or irreversible damage to almost every organ of the system. The history, clinical findings and outcome are described in four patients with heat injury during a 13-km military cross country race. Pathophysiology, complications, treatment and prevention of heat illness are discussed.