Hyperthermia - Causes, Symptoms, Risks and Prevent

What Is Hyperthermia?

The condition where the body cannot regulate the temperature, resulting in elevated body temperature, is called hyperthermia or overheating. Here, the body produces more heat than what gets dissipated. If the temperature rises extremely, it can result in fatal complications and require immediate medical attention. Around 5 lakh deaths are caused every year due to this condition. The major causes of hyperthermia are heatstroke and severe adverse reactions to drugs that affect the central nervous system.

Hyperthermia and fever are different. Hyperthermia is the opposite of hypothermia, where the body’s temperature falls. 98.6 °F or 37 °C is the average body temperature. Hyperthermia is when the body temperature is above 100.4 °F or 38 °C, and when the body temperature is lower than 95 °F or 35 °C, it is called hypothermia. Temperatures above 104 °F or 40 °C are considered severe hyperthermia.

What Are the Stages and Symptoms of Hyperthermia?

The symptoms of hyperthermia can occur in the following stages. You might or might not develop all of the listed stages or symptoms:

1) Heat Stress - The body’s temperature rises, but the person does not sweat, and cooling off of the body does not take place. This can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The symptoms include:

• Feeling uncomfortably hot.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Tiredness.

• Nausea.

• Thirst.

2) Heat Fatigue - A person who is working under extremely hot weather, develops physical discomfort and psychological stress. If you are not used to working in hot conditions, you might be susceptible to heat fatigue. The symptoms are:

• Feeling hot.

• Thirsty.

• Tired.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Loss of coordination.

3) Heat Syncope - A person faints, his or her blood pressure falls, and the blood circulation to the brain is cut off temporarily due to heat. Heat syncope commonly occurs when you exert yourself in a hot climate. People who take beta-blockers for hypertension are more prone to heat syncope. You might experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Fainting.

4) Heat Cramps - Involuntary muscle spasms during intense exercise in a hot environment. They usually result from an electrolyte imbalance. The muscles of the abdomen, arm, and leg are most commonly affected.

5) Heat Edema - Swelling in the hands, legs, or ankles because of sitting or standing in the heat for a long time. Fluid gets filled in the extremities. Edema is because of the resorption of sodium through the kidneys into the blood.

6) Heat Rash - Some people get red bumps on the skin if they spend a lot of time in the sun. These rashes are mainly seen in the skin underneath clothing that becomes wet due to sweat.

7) Heat Exhaustion - In this stage, the body cannot cool itself any longer and is the most serious stage. The symptoms experienced are:

• Sweating profusely.

• Dizziness.

• Thirst.

• Weakness.

• Concentration problems.

• Cool and clammy skin.

• Rapid pulse.

When to Consult a Doctor for Hyperthermia?

As an increase in body temperature can be fatal, it is important to get immediate medical help. In case of the following signs and symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:

1. Fainting.

2. Irritability.

3. Coordination problems.

4. Flushed skin.

5. Rapid pulse.

6. Increase in body temperature.

Who Is at Risk for Hyperthermia?

Working in extremely hot climates increases the risk of hyperthermia. The following people are at risk:

• Construction workers.

• Farmers.

• Athletes.

• Firefighters.

• Children who play outdoors.

• Older adults.

Some health conditions can also increase the risk of hyperthermia. They are:

• Dehydration.

• Impaired circulation.

• Inefficient sweat glands.

• Heart or kidney diseases.

• Being overweight or underweight.

• Consuming alcoholic beverages.

• Hypertension.

• Medications, such as diuretics, tranquilizers, sedatives, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce sweating.

What Causes Hyperthermia?

The following are the causes of hyperthermia:

1. Increased heatwaves or humidity.

2. Excess heat production due to overexertion, malignant hyperthermia, and other conditions.

3. Poor heat dissipation due to reduced sweating or humid environment.

Typically, proper temperature is maintained by sweating and peripheral vasodilation (constriction of blood vessels in the hands and feet). When the climate is hot, these cooling mechanisms are insufficient, leading to heat-related illnesses.

Are Fever and Hyperthermia the Same?

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, regulates the body’s temperature. It maintains the body temperature at around 98.6 °F (37 °C). In the case of infection, the hypothalamus makes the body hot (fever) to make the environment hostile for the pathogens. Once the pathogen gets eliminated, the body temperature gets back to normal.

In hyperthermia, the body tries to adjust to the hot environment. If the body finds it hard to keep its body cool despite the hot climate, the body’s temperature climbs in response.

A fever can be treated with Paracetamol or other medicines, but it is not effective in hyperthermia.

How Is Hyperthermia Managed?

If you develop signs of hyperthermia, make sure you:

• Move to a cooler location with air conditioning, if possible.

• Drink sports drinks containing electrolytes or water.

• Take a cool shower.

• Ice bags can be kept under your arms or the groin area.

The treatment for different stages of hyperthermia are:

For heat stress, fatigue, and cramps - Move to a colder area and take a rest. Drink water or other fluids containing electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Electrolyte liquid contains calcium, sodium, and potassium, regulating your heart rate and muscle health. When you start feeling dizzy, put your legs up. Move to a more relaxed location.

Edema or swelling subsides over time. Make sure you are well hydrated and put your feet up. Heat rashes disappear on their own when you cool down. The rash can get infected, so avoid scratching them. If they are infected, you might have to apply a topical antibiotic cream. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that needs hospitalization and immediate medical attention.

How to Prevent Hyperthermia?

You can prevent hyperthermia by:

1. Do not let your children play outdoors in extremely hot conditions.

2. Take breaks in a cool place frequently.

3. If not absolutely necessary, stay indoors.

4. Keep drinking water and stay hydrated.

5. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes outdoors.

For more information on hyperthermia, consult a doctor online now.