Hyperthermia is a condition when the body temperature is too high. Hyperthermia is usually caused by a failure of the body's temperature regulation system to cool the body. Body temperature that is too high will cause various disorders to arise, ranging from muscle cramps to disorders of the brain and nervous system.
Normal body temperature is in the range of 36–37.50C. Hyperthermia is defined as an increase in body temperature above 38.50C. This condition occurs due to the body's inability to balance body temperature.
In severe cases, hyperthermia can cause heat stroke. This condition is quite dangerous because it can cause permanent damage to the brain and organs.
Causes of Hyperthermia
In general, hyperthermia is caused by exposure to excessive heat from outside the body and the failure of the body's temperature regulation system to cool the body.
Some conditions that can cause hyperthermia are:
- An increase in the temperature in the environment
- Increased heat production from the body, for example due to excessive activity, thyroid crisis, or drug poisoning, such as anticholinergic drugs, MDMA drugs (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and sympathomimetic drugs
- The inability of the body to dissipate heat, for example because it is not able to produce sweat
Hyperthermia risk factors
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing hyperthermia, including:
- Working outside the home with exposure to the sun or excessive heat and for long periods of time
- Dehydration due to lack of fluid intake, diarrhea, or the use of drugs such as diuretics
- Having trouble sweating, either due to skin disorders or sweat glands
- Still a baby or an elderly person
- Suffering from certain diseases, such as thyrotoxicosis
Symptoms of Hyperthermia
Symptoms of hyperthermia vary, depending on the condition and type of hyperthermia experienced. However, there are some general symptoms of hyperthermia that are similar to each other regardless of the cause, namely:
- Body temperature more than 38.5oC
- Feeling hot, thirsty and tired
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Nauseous
- Headache
In addition to the general symptoms above, here are some specific symptoms that can be divided based on the type of hyperthermia experienced:
1. Heat stress
This condition can occur when the process of regulating body temperature begins to be disturbed, generally occurs when sweat cannot come out due to clothes that are too tight or due to working in hot and humid places. Symptoms that can arise include dizziness, weakness, thirst, nausea, and headaches.
2. Heat fatigue
This condition can occur when a person is in a hot place for too long, resulting in weakness, thirst, discomfort, loss of concentration, and even loss of coordination.
3. Heat syncope
This condition occurs when a person is too forced to stay in a hot environment, thereby triggering a lack of blood flow to the brain. As a result, symptoms will appear, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
4. Heat cramps
This condition occurs when the sufferer is exercising with a heavy intensity or working in a hot place. Symptoms include muscle spasms accompanied by pain or cramps in the calf muscles, thighs, shoulders, arms and abdomen.
5. Heat edema
This condition is characterized by swelling of the hands, feet, and heels due to fluid buildup. Heat edema This occurs due to prolonged sitting or standing in a hot place which further triggers an electrolyte imbalance.
6. heat rash
This condition is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the skin due to being in a hot and humid place for a long time.
7. Heat exhaust
This condition occurs when the body cannot balance body temperature due to loss of water and salt in large quantities that come out in the form of excessive sweating.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, thirst, increased body temperature, excessive sweating, reduced urine production, increased heart rate, difficulty moving limbs. Heat exhaust which is not treated immediately can develop into heat stroke.
8. heat stroke
heat strokeis the most severe form of hyperthermia. This condition must be treated immediately because it can cause disability or even death. heat stroke may be characterized by the following symptoms:
- Body temperature rises rapidly, up to above 40oC
- Skin feels hot, dry, or excessive sweating appears
- Seizures
- Decreased consciousness characterized by confusion and slurred speech
When to go to the doctor
Hyperthermia can actually be overcome with first aid, such as by resting and taking shelter, then drinking water or electrolyte solutions. If the symptoms of hyperthermia do not go away, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Unlike other types of hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are emergency conditions. If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms heat exhaust or heat stroke, immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room to get the right treatment.
Diagnosis of Hyperthermia
To diagnose hyperthermia, the doctor will ask the patient's symptoms and activities that have recently been carried out. This is because hyperthermia is closely related to the activities carried out. After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination to confirm the symptoms you are experiencing.
The doctor will check the patient's body temperature to determine whether the patient is hyperthermic or not. In addition, the doctor will also determine whether the patient has factors or conditions that increase the risk of hyperthermia, such as the use of drugs or suffering from thyrotoxicosis.
Hyperthermia Treatment
The main treatment for hyperthermia is to cool the body temperature when symptoms appear. If you have hyperthermia, some cool-down steps you can take include:
- Take a break from the activity you are doing, if necessary you can rest while lying down
- Take shelter to avoid heatstroke, if necessary take shelter in a cool room and have good airflow
- Drink water or electrolyte drinks, but avoid drinking too cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps
- Compress the head, neck, face, and body parts that experience cramps using cold water
- Loosen tight clothing, including socks and shoes
During first aid, try to keep monitoring your body temperature using a thermometer. If your body temperature doesn't go down after getting help, or if the symptoms of hyperthermia don't go away, see a doctor right away.
Doctors will perform treatment to treat hyperthermia and prevent complications due to hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia Prevention
The best way to prevent hyperthermia is to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or hot weather. If you have to work or move in a hot place, here are hyperthermia prevention steps you can take:
- Do not use thick clothes, but use clothes that are thin but can protect the body area when outdoors.
- Use a hat and sunscreen that can protect the skin from sunburn.
- Drink plenty of water, at least 2–4 glasses of water every hour.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol when active in hot places because they cause body fluids to decrease.