Hyperthermia- Its Symptoms And How To Address It

Introduction

Hyperthermia is generally characterised by an unusually high body temperature. It is an illness caused by increased temperatures. There are various forms of Hyperthermia. It transpires among people living in humid tropical conditions. When one’s body is unable to release the amount of heat it absorbs from the environment, Hyperthermia occurs. This can also be caused due to overexertion in hot temperatures. It is not the same as acquiring a fever. This can cause damage, however, it is also preventable. Read on to find out about Hyperthermia, its types, symptoms and aid!

Types of Hyperthermia

1. Cramps

Muscle cramping can occur due to the loss of electrolytes in your bodily fluids. High temperatures can lead to excessive sweating and drainage of salt and necessary fluids from your body. Heat cramps can occur in your hands, legs or feet. 

2. Exhaustion

A more serious form of Hyperthermia is heat exhaustion. Here, you get exhausted. Your body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius or more and can even lead to heatstroke. 

3. Rash

If you sweat above normal in the heat, you may develop a heat rash. It looks like a collection of swollen red pimples or blisters. These can spread and usually develop in your arms, armpits, chest, neck and elbow region.

4. Stress

Hyperthermia can harm one’s mental health. People required to work in hot weather conditions can experience exhaustion and mental stress. Firefighters, coal miners, construction workers, etc are prone to heat stress. 

5. Heatstroke

Hyperthermia can develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke can be damaging to one’s health and can affect multiple organs of the body. Your body temperature rises above average and can leave you feeling disoriented, dizzy and nauseous. 

Continuous application of cold water to the skin can be achieved by either sponging the patient or using a spray bottle. Placing a fan to blow directly on the patient while also spraying or sponging will increase the rate of evaporation, and thereby, will more rapidly decrease body temperature in hyperthermia.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Symptoms of Hyperthermia

• You may experience sudden muscle spasms in your feet, legs, thighs, hands and calves. The feeling is slightly painful leaving you unable to move for some time. It leaves you feeling sore afterwards. 
• Blurred vision is a common symptom. 
• Your breathing may increase the pace and your pulse is bound to increase to help your body cold down. You can feel an oncoming headache along with feeling thirsty. 
• You may face heat syncope. In common terms referred to as fainting. Your blood pressure drops and the blood flow to your brain is reduced. One can also go unconscious for a while. 
• Heat Edema may also occur, where your hands, ankles or lower legs may start to swell. This occurs due to long exposure to heat. The swelling takes place due to the buildup of fluid in a certain area. This mainly happens to people unaccustomed to the heat. Putting your legs up can be helpful. 
• You may have trouble coordinating your muscles and your speech may become slurred. 
• Skin feels clammy and sweaty beyond normal. 
• You can feel weak and unable to carry out simple tasks. 

The definitive treatment for heat-related illness (hyperthermia) is total body cooling. Conduction and evaporation are the two modes of cooling commonly employed in the treatment of heat-related illnesses.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Prevention and Aid for Hyperthermia

It is important to know who is most at risk of contracting Hyperthermia. Those working in dry or humid heat conditions are most likely to feel the symptoms of Hyperthermia. Construction workers, labourers, farmers or vendors selling wares in the open are at high risk. People with heart conditions or blood pressure issues may find it difficult to cool their bodies down because of their health conditions. Some also have a low-sodium diet which can trigger Hyperthermia. The elderly are also susceptible to such excessive conditions because of their age. Younger children who play in the sun can also experience the fatal blow of Hyperthermia. Some tips to prevent such excessive conditions include:

• Take breaks in between work in a shaded cool area. 
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. You can also include electrolyte-based drinks or fruit juices for better results. 
• Wear cool-coloured and loose-fitting clothing for better circulation of air. 
• Never leave children or pets in enclosed hot places like cars or locked rooms. 
• Avoid strenuous activity. 
• If possible, reschedule plans to cooler parts of the day like the evening. 

Infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications are usually at greater risk for hyperthermia.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Call for medical assistance immediately after you notice any symptoms of Hyperthermia. While professional help is on the way, stop any physical activity and rest in a shaded area. Remove excessive clothing and look for an ice pack or cool sponging to apply to your skin. Apply powder or any ointment to rashes or irritated skin. Try to gently stretch any cramped muscles. 

Hyperthermia can be dangerous in such conditions. One must look out for oneself and others to be of better assistance in need of dire situations. It can prove to be life-threatening if not treated properly. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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