Hyperthermia

The normal oral body temperature ranges from 36 – 37.4°C. The axillary temperature is 0.5°C lower than this range. When the body temperature exceeds this range it is called hyperthermia.

Human body can regulate the body temperature to a large extent.  When the body gets too hot, it tries to cool down with various mechanisms including sweating. Symptoms that can accompany high body temperature are headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and fatigue.

When environmental heat exceeds what the body can take, it may result in heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Exertion or exercise may make it worse. Thick clothes, tight closed spaces, alcohol, some medicines can also make it worse. It is essential to bring down the body temperature by spraying the person with water and blowing cool air on the person.

Fever due to infections or other conditions is also a cause of hyperthermia. In such cases the cause needs to be taken care of and the fever will subside. Mild fever is useful in fighting the germs, but high fever should be controlled with medicines like Paracetamol and other methods like body sponging in cold water.

Seeking medical help is a necessity when the fever doesn’t subside. Tests should be run if the fever has lasted for more than 5 days and cause is not evident. Don’t get too hot or too dry. Take precautions.