Hyperthermia Meaning, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hyperthermia occurs when body temperature skyrockets beyond normal. This condition occurs due to high environmental temperatures and the body is no longer able to adapt to these extreme changes. A condition is referred to as hyperthermia when the body temperature is above 40 ° C.
Hyperthermia has several stages based on clinical severity. Starting from heat fatigue, heat syncope (fainting), heat cramps, heat exhaustion, to heat stroke.
Symptoms
The most severe phase of hyperthermia is heat stroke and can be fatal. Fainting and loss of consciousness are generally the main symptoms that occur.
In addition, other symptoms that can also appear are:
- The skin becomes reddish
- The pulse is fast and weak
- Reduced sweating
Reason
Hyperthermia is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures that the body is no longer able to regulate. Certain lifestyles can make a person more susceptible to hyperthermia, namely:
- Less consumption of water
- Houses that have poor air circulation or are not equipped with air conditioning
- Clothes are too thick
- The environment is too crowded and dense
Several conditions are also known to increase a person’s risk of experiencing hyperthermia. These conditions include:
- Dehydration
- Elderly, whose sweat glands and blood circulation have begun to decrease in function
- People with kidney, heart and lung disorders
- People with high blood pressure who are on salt restriction
- Use of certain drugs such as diuretics, anesthetics, and blood pressure control drugs
- Alcohol abuse
- Obesity or even too thin
Diagnosis
Hyperthermia is diagnosed through a physical examination by finding a body temperature that is above 40 ° C. This high body temperature can also be accompanied by various other complaints, ranging from weakness, body cramps, to fainting and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
Hyperthermia treatment is carried out by protecting the sufferer from conditions that make his body temperature increase dramatically. Steps that can be taken include:
- Move the sufferer to a cool place, preferably one with good air circulation or one with air conditioning.
- If the patient is conscious, ask to immediately take a cold shower.
- Cold compresses, especially on the wrists, neck, armpits and groin.
- Give a drink if the patient is still conscious.
- Avoid giving tea and coffee that contains caffeine.
Complications
If not treated immediately, hyperthermia can cause damage to important organs in the body, such as the brain. In advanced conditions without proper treatment, hyperthermia can also lead to death.
Prevention
Hyperthermia can be prevented in several ways, including:
- Avoid direct activities without head protection in the hot sun when the weather is hot.
- Use clothes that are loose, made of light, and not thick or layered when you have to do activities in a hot environment.
- Use additional protection such as a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella.
- Drink plenty of water at all times. Especially during hot weather.
- Do not leave children in closed cars in open spaces or parking structures.
- Immediately take shelter and enter a room with air conditioning or with good air circulation, when you start to feel weak or have a headache.