Which diagnosis corresponds to mild swelling of the hands and feet after exposure to a hot environment?

Which diagnosis corresponds to mild swelling of the hands and feet after exposure to a hot environment?

• A. Heat Rash
• B. Heat Edema
• C. Heat Stroke
• D. Heat Cramps

Answer: (B)

Heat edema is the swelling of the hands and feet that can occur after exposure to hot conditions. When you’re in the heat, peripheral blood vessels dilate to help dissipate body heat. This vasodilation increases capillary hydrostatic pressure and can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, especially in dependent areas like the hands and feet. If you’ve been standing or sitting in the sun for a while, this fluid can accumulate, leading to mild edema. It’s usually benign and improves with cooling, elevation, and rest. This differs from other heat-related problems. Heat rash is a skin condition from blocked sweat ducts, presenting as a prickly or red rash rather than swelling of extremities. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by a dangerously high body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction, such as confusion or unconsciousness. Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions caused by electrolyte loss and dehydration, not distal edema.

Heat edema is the swelling of the hands and feet that can occur after exposure to hot conditions. When you’re in the heat, peripheral blood vessels dilate to help dissipate body heat. This vasodilation increases capillary hydrostatic pressure and can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, especially in dependent areas like the hands and feet. If you’ve been standing or sitting in the sun for a while, this fluid can accumulate, leading to mild edema. It’s usually benign and improves with cooling, elevation, and rest.

This differs from other heat-related problems. Heat rash is a skin condition from blocked sweat ducts, presenting as a prickly or red rash rather than swelling of extremities. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by a dangerously high body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction, such as confusion or unconsciousness. Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions caused by electrolyte loss and dehydration, not distal edema.