Which heat stroke type is associated with respiratory alkalosis?

Which heat stroke type is associated with respiratory alkalosis?

• A. Nonexertional heat stroke
• B. Exertional heat stroke
• C. Neither
• D. Both

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how the body's acid–base status shifts in different heat-stroke scenarios. Exertional heat stroke often features rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation) as a result of extreme exertion and CNS involvement. This rapid breathing blows off CO2 faster than it’s produced, causing a respiratory alkalosis. Nonexertional heat stroke, by contrast, stems from impaired thermoregulation in vulnerable individuals and more commonly presents with metabolic disturbances from hypoperfusion, rather than a primary alkalosis from hyperventilation. So the heat-stroke type associated with respiratory alkalosis is exertional heat stroke.

The main concept here is how the body's acid–base status shifts in different heat-stroke scenarios. Exertional heat stroke often features rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation) as a result of extreme exertion and CNS involvement. This rapid breathing blows off CO2 faster than it’s produced, causing a respiratory alkalosis. Nonexertional heat stroke, by contrast, stems from impaired thermoregulation in vulnerable individuals and more commonly presents with metabolic disturbances from hypoperfusion, rather than a primary alkalosis from hyperventilation. So the heat-stroke type associated with respiratory alkalosis is exertional heat stroke.