Saturday, September 28, 2013

9/3 House Case

We were introduced to a 18 year old who just finished cross country practice with these types of symptoms:

1) Vomit
2) Severe headache
3) Extremely tired
4) Confused 

These are the three diagnoses I came up with:
Dehydration- when body loses water and salts (occurs when you sweat)
Resulting from an electrolyte imbalance: they help regulate fluid balance
-During heavy exercise, electrolytes are lost in sweat (sodium/potassium)
-Electrolyte= compound that ionizes in solvents (water) 
  • A common symptom of dehydration headaches are an increase in pain when moving the head - especially during walking*** he was running before 
-If you lose enough water, your blood volume will drop and this will temporarily lead to lower blood and oxygen flow to the brain 
  • If dehydration is severe, people may be confused or feel light-headed 
-Brain and other body organs receive less blood
  • Vomiting is a natural process when the body is working hard to increase the heart rate trying to make up for the fluids lost.
-The body can hold on to water as much as possible but when the stomach muscles get no water they contract
  • Dehydration can cause blood to thicken, forcing the heart to pump harder to carry blood to your cells and organs and resulting in fatigue/tiredness

Athletes Overtraining Syndrome- Occurs when you work out a lot without adequate time to rest and recuperate. 
  • Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
-Gastrointestinal distress: ***happens to runners*** delayed emptying of the stomach and small intestines 
-What causes it: As the body attempts to increase the blood supply to the muscles, less blood is supplied to intestines (why?: blood carries oxygen, muscles want oxygen and energy)
  • Confusion
-brain receives less blood
  • Fatigue
-persistent weariness 
-reduced strength 
  • Exercise headaches

Heat Stroke- body temperature is elevated dramatically
  • Heat stroke is a risk for athletes who train in hot environmental conditions.
  • Symptoms: vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, confusion
  • Some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly without warning

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