How to Recognize the Symptoms of Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is an acute condition which takes place when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can disperse. A normal human being has a steady temperature of 98.6° F / 37° C. Sometimes during extreme climate, the heat regulating mechanisms of the body become ineffective and body temperature rises alarmingly.

Instructions

1. Check the body temperature of the patient. If the temperature is above 104° F/ 40 ° C, it can endanger the patient's life. Move the patient smoothly to a medical facility.

2. Verify if the patient has low blood pressure. Blood pressure tends to fall down due to dehydration. Heartbeat of the patient becomes slow and the pulse rate reduces gradually.

3. Ask if the patient is suffering from headache or dizziness. Dizziness or fainting can occur in case the patient indulges in sudden movements.

4. Inquire if the patient is suffering from shivers and chills caused due to fever. Hyperthermia is often considered a severe form of sunstroke but it can make the patient cold and shivering. Sometimes, this can confuse the patient as well as others near him or her.

5. Make sure if the patient has nausea or vomiting sensation. Lack of water can disrupt the regular functioning of body and can cause vomiting.

6. Note if the patient is complaining of loss of eyesight or failure of other organs. This can occur due to acute dehydration. It can result in aggravating the patient's condition - becoming unconsciousness or going into coma.

7. Observe the color of patient's urine. Dark yellow color indicates the sign of hyperthermia.

8. Look if the patient is sweating. Sweating helps the heat to escape from the body and maintains the temperature. Hyperthermia stops sweating and so excessive heat does not go out from the body.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that hyperthermia is also a form of dehydration. So the first thing that needs to be done is offering pure water to the patient.

• Know that sudden change in temperature of the patient's surrounding can cause hyperthermia. Constantly monitor patient's temperature and introduce him to cooler climate gradually.

• Avoid alcohol or caffeine as they have diuretic properties which can aggravate hyperthermia.

• Understand that hyperthermia has to be treated properly or it can prove fatal. Ensure fast medical treatment to the patient.