Hyperthermia- Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Preventions, and More

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is a health condition that leads to abnormally high body temperature or overheating of the body. The normal temperature of the human body is 98.6 Fahrenheit. A body temperature between 99-100 is considered as warm. If the temperature increases above 100, it is considered as fever.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs or generates more heat than it releases. When a person has a body temperature of more than 100.4 Fahrenheit— the condition is called hyperthermia.

However, when a person has a high-body temperature due to fever, infection or adverse reactions due to drug or medication overdose, it is not considered as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia can occur due to external factors, and this can lead to a rise in body temperature. When the body temperature rises above 104 Fahrenheit, it is considered as a severe condition and will require immediate medical attention. Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature falls below 95 Fahrenheit.

Types of hyperthermia

Hyperthermia can be classified into different types depending on their severity.

• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat rash
• Heat stress
• Heat stroke

Heat cramps

Heat cramps occur when a person loses electrolytes. Loss of electrolytes can occur when a person experiences severe sweating. It can lead to muscle cramps in arms, feet, legs and hands.

Heat cramps are less severe and occur in all types of hyperthermia. These cramps can be painful and intense, especially during the night.

Heat cramps may go away on their own. However, certain home remedies can alleviate the pain. Try to rest in a low-temperature area and consume water with salt and sugar. Rehydration can reduce heat cramps better.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion causes the body temperature to rise above 104 Fahrenheit. The increase in temperature will lead to sweating, rapid pulse and an increase in body temperature.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, severe sweating and weakness.

Heat rash

During hot weather, you sweat a lot which can lead to skin rashes, and these are heat rashes. Heat rashes occur in clusters with small red blisters or pimples.

Heat rashes usually develop near the skin folds, groin, elbow and under your breasts. Try not to scratch your heat rash, and apply some cold packs. Wear loose clothes and pat dry the rashes. Avoid using scented shower gels and creams.

Heat stress

Heat stress can occur due to occupational reasons. When a person works in hot and humid areas, they are prone to such heat stress— construction workers and firefighters.

Heat stress can cause injury or illness depending on the exposure. Heat stress can cause severe sweating and dizziness. Workers working in such high temperatures should be trained and educated about heat stress.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke can be life-threatening, and the body temperature increases above 104 Fahrenheit. In such cases, the body will not be able to regulate the body temperature.

Heat stroke can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. A person can recover from heat stroke in 2 days. However, complete recovery will take about 2 months. Heat stroke should be treated immediately, and if delayed, it can be fatal.

Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia is a condition that occurs when certain drugs are used as anaesthesia. In such cases, there will be a severe reaction like high temperature, muscle spasms or muscle rigidity and an increased heart rate.

Malignant hyperthermia can be triggered when inhaling volatile compounds like succinylcholine. Malignant hyperthermia can be treated with medication like dantrolene.

What causes Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it is released. When the body temperature increases, sweating is a natural mechanism to reduce the increased temperature and keep your body at a normal temperature.

In some cases, sweating will not be enough to maintain a normal body temperature, which leads to hyperthermia.

Symptoms of Hyperthermia

The symptoms of hyperthermia depend on the severity. The symptoms of hyperthermia develop over hours or may occur quickly also.

Dehydration is a common symptom of hyperthermia. When the body temperature increases, the body tries to cool down the temperature by the mechanism of sweating. The sweat will contain water and other electrolytes, which leads to dehydration.

Dehydration will be assisted with other symptoms like headache and cramps. Other symptoms include

• Red skin,
• Muscle cramps or pain,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Exhaustion,
• Pale or wet skin,
• Weak pulse,
• Severe sweating,
• Difficulty urinating,
• Intense thirst,
• Dizziness,
• Dark-coloured urine,
• Swelling of feet and ankles,
• Seizures,
• Organ failure,
• Fainting and
• Loss of consciousness.

People at risk for Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia can occur to any individual, like a person who is exercising in a humid temperature. It can occur to anyone, not only a person who is exercising in a hot, humid temperature.

Hyperthermia can occur

• Due to severe dehydration
• In people aged above 65
• Due to overconsumption of alcohol
• Because of severe electrolyte imbalance
• Chronic health conditions like heart, kidney and lung diseases.
• In people affected with cystic fibrosis.
• To those under medication like diuretics, sedatives, tranquillisers and stimulants.
• In people wearing too tight clothes in hot weather.

People with certain occupations are also at an increased risk of hyperthermia.

• Farmers,
• Firefighters,
• Athletes,
• Hikers,
• Cricketers,
• Military,
• Surveyors,
• Forestry,
• Conservationists and biologists,
• Vendors who work in an open area,
• Construction workers and
• Older adults.

The risk of hyperthermia for a person may increase if they have the following health condition.

• Obese or underweight
• Inefficient sweat glands
• Hypertension
• Circulatory problems
• Heart and kidney diseases

Difference between fever and hyperthermia

When a pathogen invades our body, there will be cytokine activation. As a result, a fever occurs. Fever is a defense mechanism that is carried out by the body to act against the invaded pathogens.

The temperature will not increase above a set-point temperature the body has. And the temperature will reduce after certain days or after the infection settles down.

Hyperthermia can lead to an increase in temperature above the set-point temperature. If left untreated, it can be fatal. The body’s temperature rise cannot be controlled when a person experiences hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia Management/ Treatment

According to NCBI, the primary treatment for hyperthermia is body cooling. The commonly employed treatment methods include conduction and evaporation. Additionally, research supported that ice-water immersion is the most effective treatment method.

• If a person is experiencing hyperthermia, make them to rest in a calm and ventilated environment.
• If they are wearing anything heavy or tight, try to remove them immediately.
• Give them water mixed with salt and sugar. This can bring a balance in their electrolytes.
• If muscle pain occurs, try to stretch and relax them.
• If sweating is observed, try to vent them out.
• Do not take any medication without the doctor’s advice.
• Try to apply ice packs if swelling is seen.
• If sweating does not stop, immediate hospitalisation will be required.

In most cases, people recover after resting for a few days. Hospitalisation may be required if a person is affected by heat stroke. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent organ damage.

Preventing Hyperthermia

Unlike other conditions, hyperthermia is not difficult to prevent. These simple steps can save a person from getting affected by heat stroke.

• Avoid intense exercises in humid temperatures.
• Hydrate yourself to replace the lost electrolytes.
• Do not leave pets, kids or elders in hot, locked spaces like cars.
• Stay indoors during hot, humid days.
• During hot weather, try to wear loose-fitting and light-coloured clothes.
• Try to exercise during the morning hours.
• Adequate breaks should be taken in a cool and well-ventilated area.
• Avoid consuming too much caffeine, alcohol and soda drinks during hot weather.

When to see a doctor?

Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms.

• Abnormally high temperature.
• Sweating does not stop after hours.
• Nausea and dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Confusion and disorientation.

Conclusion

Hyperthermia is considered as a heat illness. It can be prevented by avoiding intense exercises in the hot sun. Hyperthermia is common among children and elders.

Hyperthermia can be treated at home. However, in some cases, medical treatment will be required to recover fully.

Avoid overconsumption of alcohol, soda and caffeine. They can increase the risk of hyperthermia during hot weather. If the symptoms do not settle after a few hours, consult your doctor immediately. Heat stroke requires immediate hospitalisation. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

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