Therefore, a reliable and valid technique must be used to obtain accurate T core in exercising individuals. 2, 5 If cooling is not initiated promptly, physiologic complications may result: Of greatest concern are visceral organ failure and mortality. 5, 6 Signs and symptoms of CNS dysfunction include but are not limited to disorientation, altered consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia, increased respiration rate, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coma, and convulsions. An athlete with a T core ≥40☌ who exhibits signs and symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is most likely suffering from EHS and must be cooled immediately. An accurate T core assessment may help to rule in EHS 5, 6 over other emergency medical considerations, such as hyponatremia, cardiac emergency, diabetic emergency, head trauma, and exertional sickling, which can present with similar signs and symptoms. To distinguish a nonfatal condition such as heat exhaustion from potentially fatal EHS, T core measurement is needed. Given this incidence of heat-related illnesses each year, certified athletic trainers and other sports medicine clinicians must be aware of the validity of different techniques to assess core body temperature (T core), so that this key vital sign is obtained accurately and subsequent medical decisions are appropriate. Research 3, 4 supports an EHS incidence rate of participants who perform either athletic exercise or military activity in intense heat. 3, 4 In other cases, organ failure is listed as the cause of death when EHS is the actual cause or there is a misdiagnosis. 2 The number may be even higher if we consider nonfatal cases of EHS, which often go unreported, and the misdiagnosis of many EHS-related deaths. 1 This number does not take into consideration many of the other activities that are potential settings for this condition, such as soccer, wrestling, and running activities (eg, cross-country, road races, marathons). Since 1995, a total of 46 American football players have died from exertional heat stroke (EHS), 4 in 2010 alone. Recognizing this temperature difference is critical for clinicians assessing core temperature in hyperthermic individuals.

Aural temperature definition