Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a rapid onset condition that happens when the body cannot get rid of its heat fast enough. It happens when the environment outside the body is not conducive to the body shedding heat quickly enough. This is known as the thermal gradient.

If the body gets hot enough, its internal mechanism to control temperature goes out of order. The internal thermostat of your body gets set to the highest setting. You body will continue to heat up to the point that you may possibly die.

Body temperatures above 40 degrees celcius (104 degrees fahrenheit) are life-threatening. This compares to normal human body temperature of 36-37 degrees celcius (97-98 degrees fahrenheit). The normal skin temperature away from the core is about (90 degrees fahrenheit) At 41 degrees celcius (106 degrees fahrenheit), brain death begins, and at 45 celcius (113 degrees fahrenheit) death is nearly certain. Internal temperatures above 50 degrees celcius (122 degrees fahrenheit) will cause rigidity in the muscles and certain, immediate death.

Hyperthermia has 3 distinctive stage:

Stage 1 is call Heat Cramps. This stage is characterized by muscle spasms or cramps. They generally start in the large muscles. Heat cramps are caused by imbalance in the electrolytes of the body.

Stage 2 is call heat exhaustion. This stage is charcterized by a mild state of shock. They body has increased the size of the blood vessels in an attempt to get rid of its excess heat. The body is also sweating profusely at this stage, which can cause a state of dehydration. The skin color will be will be pale. The temperature will be normal to elevated. Note that at this stage people still sweat. The heat compensation mechanisms of the body are running at 100% at this point. A person may also be dizzy or faint.

Stage 3 is call heat stroke. DANGER. This has a death rate of 20-80%! The heat compensation mechanisms of the body have become overwhelemed and are shutting down. The body becomes overheated. The body loses its ability to control temperature. If this is not controlled quickly, brain damage may result.

A person does not have to be in a extremely hot environment for hyperthermia to occur. Certain medicines interfere with the ability of the body to regulate temperature. Other medicines interfere with the ability of the body to perspire. The young and elderly are at more risk. Some conditions will also alter the ability of the body to shed heat.

Some things the lay person can do to help somebody with heat exhaustion are:
- Call for emergency medical help
- Move the person (if they are able to walk) to a cooler environment such as shade
- Fan the person
- Avoid the use of cold water. Always tepid water.
- Apply cool moist towels to the forehead

Hyperthermia can be prevented. Watch the temperature and humidity. Dress properly for the environment. Listen to your body. Drink plenty of fluids.

This article was written by the owner of Way of the Warrior website. He has been involved in self reliance and martial arts training for over 20 years.
Gary is a trained EMT.
http://www.warriorswayar.net