Hyperthermia and Heat-Related Illness

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Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
O What is hyperthermia?
O What causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?
O ot weather health emergencies
O eat stroke
O eat exhaustion
O ther heat-related health problems
O eat cramps
O eat rash
O Sunburn
O ot weather tips
O yperthermia At A Glance
O ind a local Doctor in your town
hat is hyperthermia?
yperthermia is overheating oI the body. The word is made up oI "hyper" (high) "thermia"
Irom the Greek word "thermes" (heat). yperthermia is literally high heat. There are a variety
oI heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. ther heat-related health
problems include heat cramps, heat rash and sunburn.
Summer can bring heat waves with unusually high temperatures that last Ior days and
sometimes weeks. In the summer oI 1980, a severe heat wave hit the United States, and
nearly 1,700 people lost their lives Irom heat-related illness. Likewise, in the summer oI
2003, tens oI thousands oI people died oI the heat in Europe. igh temperatures put people at
risk.
hat causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?
People suIIer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded.
The body normally cools itselI by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't
enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body
temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs.
Several Iactors aIIect the body's ability to cool itselI during extremely hot weather. When the
humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body Irom releasing heat
quickly. ther conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age,
obesity, Iever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug, and alcohol
use.
Those at greatest risk oI heat-related illness include:
O inIants and children up to Iour years oI age
O people 65 years oI age or older
O people who are overweight
O people who overexert during work or exercise
O people who are ill or on certain medications
InIants and children up to Iour years oI age are very sensitive to the eIIects oI high
temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years oI age or older may not compensate Ior heat stress eIIiciently, and are less
likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
verweight people may be prone to heat sickness because oI their tendency to retain more
body heat.
Any health condition that causes dehydration makes the body more susceptible to heat-related
illness. II you or someone you know is at higher risk, it is important to drink plenty oI Iluids,
avoid overexertion, and get your doctor or pharmacist's advice about medications being taken
Ior:
O high blood pressure,
O depression,
O nervousness,
O mental illness,
O insomnia, or
O poor circulation.
Hyperthermia (cont.)
In this Article
O What is hyperthermia?
O What causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?
O ot weather health emergencies
O eat stroke
O eat exhaustion
O ther heat-related health problems
O eat cramps
O eat rash
O Sunburn
O ot weather tips
O yperthermia At A Glance
O yperthermia Glossary
O yperthermia Index
O ind a local Doctor in your town

Hot weather health emergencies
Even short periods oI high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Two common
problems are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke
eat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's
temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism Iails, and the body is unable to cool down.
Body temperature may rise to 106F or higher within 10-15 minutes. eat stroke can cause
death or permanent disability iI emergency treatment is not given.
hat are the symptoms of heat stroke?
Warning signs oI heat stroke vary but may include:
O an extremely high body temperature (above 104F)
O red, hot, and moist or dry skin (no sweating)
O rapid, strong pulse
O throbbing headache
O dizziness
O nausea
O conIusion
O seizures
O unconsciousness
hat is the treatment for heat stroke?
II you see any oI these signs, you may be dealing with a liIe threatening emergency. Have
someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim:
O Get the victim to a cool indoor or outdoor area.
O ool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, you may
immerse the victim in a tub oI cool water or place them in a cool shower. You may
also spray them with cool water Irom a garden hose or sponge them with cool water.
II the humidity is low, loosely wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and Ian him or her
vigorously.
O Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling eIIorts until the body temperature
drops to 101-102F or lower.
O II emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room Ior
Iurther instructions.
O Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably (seizure) as a result oI heat
stroke. II this happens, keep the victim Irom injuring himselI, but do not place any object in
the mouth and do not give Iluids. II there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by
turning the victim on his or her side to prevent choking
Heat Exhaustion
eat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss oI water and salt contained in
sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people taking high blood
pressure medication and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
hat are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Warning signs oI heat exhaustion include:
O heavy sweating
O paleness
O muscle cramps
O tiredness
O weakness
O dizziness
O headache
O nausea or vomiting
O Iainting
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate may be Iast and weak, and breathing
may be Iast and shallow. II heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.
hat is the treatment for heat exhaustion?
Cooling measures that may be eIIective include:
O cool, non-alcoholic beverages
O rest
O cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
O an air-conditioned environment
O lightweight clothing
Seek medical attention immediately if:
O symptoms are severe, or
O the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.
therwise, help the victim to cool oII, and seek medical attention iI symptoms worsen or last
longer than 1 hour.
ther heat-related health problems
Heat ramps
eat cramps usually aIIect people who sweat signiIicantly during strenuous activity. This
sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes
painIul cramps. eat cramps may also be a symptom oI heat exhaustion.
hat are the symptoms of heat cramps?
eat cramps are muscle pains or spasms (usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs) that may
occur in association with strenuous activity. II you have heart problems or are on a low
sodium diet, get medical attention Ior heat cramps.
hat is the treatment for heat cramps?
O Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place.
O Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
O Do not return to strenuous activity Ior a Iew hours aIter the cramps subside because
Iurther exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
O Seek medical attention Ior heat cramps iI they do not subside in 1 hour.
Heat Rash
eat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can
occur at any age but is most common in young children.
hat are the symptoms of heat rash?
eat rash looks like a red cluster oI pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the
neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
hat is the treatment for heat rash?
The best treatment Ior heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the
aIIected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comIort, but avoid using
ointments or creams because they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition
worse.
Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance.
Sunburn
Sunburn should be avoided because it is damaging to the skin and can cause skin cancer.
Although the discomIort is usually minor and healing oIten occurs in about a week, a more
severe sunburn may require medical attention. Certain medications may increase the skin's
susceptibility to reddening and burning Irom the sun. These drugs are called
"photosensitizing agents." Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to assure
medications you are currently taking are not at risk Ior exacerbating a sunburn.
hat are the symptoms of sunburn?
The symptoms oI sunburn are well known. The skin becomes red, painIul, and abnormally
warm aIter sun exposure. Blisters may also Iorm iI the sunburn is more severe. Consider
consulting a doctor iI the sunburn aIIects an inIant under one year oI age or iI these
symptoms are present:
O Iever
O severe pain
hat is the treatment for sunburn?
O Avoid repeated sun exposure.
O Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water.
O Apply moisturizing lotion to aIIected areas. Do not use salve, butter, or ointment.
O Do not break blisters.
Hot weather tips
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use
common sense. The Iollowing tips are important.
Drink plenty of fluids
Increase your Iluid intake regardless oI your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot
environment, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) oI cool Iluids each hour.
aution: II your doctor has prescribed a Iluid-restricted diet or diuretics Ior you, ask your
doctor how much you should drink.
O During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. This
is especially true Ior people 65 years oI age and older who oIten have a decreased
ability to respond to external temperature changes.
O Drinking plenty oI liquids during exercise is especially important. owever, avoid
very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
O In addition, avoid drinks containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to
lose more Iluid.
Replace salt and minerals
eavy sweating removes salt and minerals Irom the body. These are necessary Ior your body
and must be replaced. The easiest and saIest way to replace salt and minerals is through your
diet.
O Drink Iruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat.
O Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor.
O II you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor beIore changing what you eat or drink,
especially beIore drinking a sports beverage.
ear appropriate clothing and sunscreen
O Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-
colored, loose-Iitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade
and keep the head cool.
O Sunburn aIIects your body's ability to cool itselI and causes a loss oI body Iluids. It
also causes pain and damages the skin.
O A variety oI sunscreens are available to reduce the risk oI sunburn. The protection that
they oIIer against sunburn varies. Check the sun protection Iactor (SPF) number on
the label oI the sunscreen container. Select SPF 15 or higher to protect yourselI
adequately. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes beIore going outdoors and reapply according
to package directions.
!ace yourself
O II you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly
and pick up the pace gradually.
O II exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping Ior breath,
STP all activity, get into a cool area, or at least in the shade, and rest, especially iI
you become lightheaded, conIused, weak, or Iaint.
Stay cool indoors
O The most eIIicient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area.
O II you do not have an air conditioner or evaporative cooling unit, consider a visit to a
shopping mall or public library Ior a Iew hours.
O Contact your local health department to see iI there are any heat-relieI shelters in your
area.
O Electric Ians may be useIul to increase comIort and to draw cool air into your home at
night, but do not rely on a Ian as your primary cooling device during a heat wave.
When the temperature is in the 90s or higher, a Ian will not prevent heat-related
illness.
O A cool shower or bath is a more eIIective way to cool oII. Also, use your stove and
oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully
O II you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors
either beIore noon or in the evening.
O While outdoors, rest Irequently in a shady area.
O Resting periodically will give your body's thermostat a chance to recover.
&se a buddy system
O When working in the heat, monitor the condition oI your coworkers and have
someone do the same Ior you. eat-related illness can cause a person to become
conIused or lose consciousness.
O During a heat wave, have a Iriend or relative call to check in on you twice a day iI you
are 65 years oI age or older. II you know anyone in this age group, check on them at
least twice a day.
Adjust to the environment
O Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave,
will be stressIul to your body. You will have a greater tolerance Ior the heat iI you
limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
O II traveling to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated beIore
attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually.
&se common sense
O Avoid hot Ioods and heavy meals as they may add heat to your body.
O Do not leave inIants, children, or pets in a parked car.
O Dress inIants and young children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and
Iaces with hats or an umbrella.
O Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours and in places oI potential severe
exposure such as beaches.
O Ensure that inIants and children drink adequate amounts oI liquids.
O Give your pet plenty oI Iresh water, and leave the water in a shady area.
ne last hot tip
These selI-help measures are not a substitute Ior medical care but may help you recognize
and respond promptly to warning signs oI trouble. Your best deIense against heat-related
illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your Iluid intake, activities,
and clothing during hot weather can help you remain saIe and healthy.
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ext: yperthermia At A Glance

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Hyperthermia (cont.)
In this Article
O What is hyperthermia?
O What causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?
O ot weather health emergencies
O eat stroke
O eat exhaustion
O ther heat-related health problems
O eat cramps
O eat rash
O Sunburn
O ot weather tips
O yperthermia At A Glance
O yperthermia Glossary
O yperthermia Index
O ind a local Doctor in your town

Hyperthermia At A Glance
O verheating is dangerous
O The best strategy is to prevent heat-related health problems.
O It is equally important to recognize the symptoms and signs oI overheating.
O It is essential to cope with health problems caused by the heat.
O eat can (and does) kill.
ReIerence: CDC Prevention Guide Ior Emergencies and Disasters.

Hyperthermia Index
eatured: Hyperthermia Main Article
yperthermia is the overheating oI the body. eat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat
exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and sunburn are all hyperthermia conditions. Treatment oI
these conditions depends upon the condition, environment, and circumstances. eat stroke is
a medical emergency, and may result in death iI not treated promptly. eat exhaustion may
lead to heat stroke iI not treated properly.
O ind a local Doctor in your town
Related Diseases & onditions
O Rash
O eat Stroke
O Dehydration
O eat Rash
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