Exposure to extreme heat not only affects the environment, but can also be harmful to the health of the body. Especially if the body experiences a lack of fluids (dehydration), the risk of health problems will be even higher.
Normal human body temperature ranges from 36°C to 37.5°C. If the body temperature increases to more than 38.5°C, this condition can be called hyperthermia . Although often considered trivial, hyperthermia that is not treated properly has the potential to cause serious complications.
What is Hyperthermia?
When a person is exposed to excessive heat from the environment until his body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, he can experience hyperthermia.
If the body is exposed to hot temperatures for a long time, the body's temperature regulation system is unable to maintain maximum temperature balance. As a result, body heat continues to increase and can cause dangerous symptoms.
If not treated immediately, hyperthermia can cause serious, life-threatening complications, such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage), kidney failure, bleeding, coma, and even death.
What are the Symptoms of Hyperthermia?
Symptoms of hyperthermia can vary depending on the severity, but generally include:
- Body temperature above 38.5°C.
- Body feels hot, throat is dry, and tired.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Nausea and stomach discomfort.
Types of Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia has several types, according to the condition and symptoms of the sufferer. The types of hyperthermia are as follows:
1. Heat Stress
This type of hyperthermia is characterized by the body starting to have difficulty regulating temperature due to excessive heat exposure, but has not yet reached the stage of severe heat exhaustion.
This condition is usually caused by wearing thick clothing or doing physical activity in hot weather. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, dizziness, dry throat, and nausea.
2. Heat Fatigue
This condition is an early form of exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to high heat. Symptoms include fatigue, dry throat, decreased concentration, and mild muscle weakness.
Heat fatigue can cause complaints such as fatigue, dry throat, and problems concentrating and moving.
3. Heat Syncope
This type of hyperthermia can cause blood flow to the sufferer's brain to decrease. This condition usually occurs after standing for a long time or standing suddenly in a hot environment.
When experiencing heat syncope , a person can experience blurred vision, dizziness, and even potential loss of consciousness.
4. Heat Cramps
This condition usually occurs after intense physical activity in hot environments, due to reduced electrolytes and body fluids. Symptoms include painful muscle cramps, especially in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
5. Heat Edema
This type of hyperthermia occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels during hot weather, which causes fluid to accumulate in the extremities such as the feet or hands.
This is usually caused by sitting in a hot place for a long time, which causes blood vessels to dilate and fluids to escape. This condition is generally not dangerous.
6. Heat Rash
This type can cause skin reactions, such as inflammation or irritation. Heat rash is characterized by the appearance of prickly heat on the neck, elbows, chest, and groin.
7. Heat Exhaustion
This type of hyperthermia is caused by the loss of a lot of body fluids due to excessive sweating. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include extreme fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth or throat, difficulty moving, and a rapid heartbeat.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke , which is the most serious form of heat-related illness.
8. Heatstroke
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Delay in treatment of this condition can cause irreversible organ damage and can be fatal.
Symptoms of heatstroke include body temperature rising to more than 40⁰C, convulsions, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, and skin that feels hot and dry.
How to Treat Hyperthermia
Overcoming hyperthermia can be done by keeping the sufferer away from heat sources. This is important because hyperthermia is a condition caused by exposure to external heat.
To treat hyperthermia, immediately move the sufferer to a cool place, provide electrolyte fluids, loosen clothing, and compress the body with cold water.
Prevention can be done by avoiding physical activity during high temperatures, maintaining hydration, ensuring adequate ventilation, and wearing clothing appropriate for hot weather.
Consult a Doctor
Hyperthermia can occur when the body is exposed to high temperatures for too long. This condition can actually be prevented by maintaining body condition and meeting hydration needs.
However, if symptoms continue to worsen, consult a doctor immediately to get appropriate treatment. The doctor will help treat and prevent complications due to hyperthermia.
Article written by dr. Steffie Simpinano Solin, M.Ked(PD), Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital).