Are you finding it hard to bear the heat these days? Let's learn about Heat-Related Illness / Hyperthermia!

With the heat these days, sometimes we feel like "Oh my, I can't stand this heat"? Sometimes we sweat and feel very tired. But did you know that this extreme heat is not a game, it can cause various types of illnesses to our bodies? Today, let's talk about the diseases caused by this extreme heat, namely `(Hyperthermia)` or `(Heat-Related Illness)`.

What are Heat-Related Illnesses?

Simply put, heat-related illness refers to a group of conditions that occur when your body has difficulty cooling itself.

Normally, when our bodies get too hot, our bodies have ways to cool us down. Think about it, you sweat, right? That sweat comes from tiny sweat glands in our skin. When this sweat gets on our skin and evaporates, like water drying up, our body temperature drops. This is our body's natural 'cooling system'. This is to control the body temperature before it reaches dangerous levels.

However, sometimes when the temperature and humidity in the environment get too high, or when we generate a lot of heat from within ourselves, such as when we exercise too hard, our body's natural cooling system can't handle it. It's like trying to cool a big house with just one small fan on a very hot day. That doesn't work, right? It's too hot, and the fan isn't blowing enough air. That's how it is with heat-related illnesses. Our bodies get overwhelmed by the heat and need extra help to cool themselves.

These conditions can range from mild to severe . Mild conditions like heat rash and heat cramps usually get better with rest and home care. However, moderate or severe conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is a medical term. It refers to a condition in which your body's core temperature rises above normal. This is usually defined as a temperature above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Some people's normal body temperature may be slightly higher or lower than this. However, any condition in which your body temperature rises above normal is called hyperthermia.

Not all heat-related illnesses involve an increase in body temperature, or ``Hyperthermia''. However, in the most severe cases, such as ``Heat Exhaustion'' and ``Heat Stroke'', body temperature usually increases. That is why people often use the terms ``Hyperthermia'' and heat-related illnesses interchangeably.

What are the four types of diseases caused by excessive heat?

There are four main types of heat-related illnesses, ranked from mild to severe:

1. Heat Rash:

These are small, itchy blisters that form on the skin. This condition is caused by sweat getting trapped under the skin. Usually, you can control this at home by keeping the skin cool and dry, and applying ointments to relieve itching. Think of it like the small red blisters that our little children get around their necks and under their armpits during the hot weather.

2. Heat Cramps (also called `exercise-associated muscle cramps`):

These are intense, painful muscle spasms in the legs, arms, stomach, or other areas. They usually occur when you work out in hot weather and sweat a lot. This is a mild condition, and your body temperature may be normal or slightly elevated. However, these muscle spasms are a warning sign that something more serious could happen if you don't take steps to cool down.

3. Heat Exhaustion:

This is a mild condition. If left untreated, it can quickly progress to heat stroke. This is caused by the body losing too much water and/or salt when you are working out in extreme heat. Your core body temperature is elevated, but it is still below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

4. Heat Stroke:

This is a very serious condition that can be life-threatening!

This is when your core body temperature rises to a very high level, usually above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). In addition to the symptoms of ``heat exhaustion'', there are also signs of ``encephalopathy'', a disorder of brain function . For example, there may be loss of consciousness, changes in behavior, and slurred speech. This condition can be caused by engaging in physical activity in extreme heat (``exertional heat stroke'') or by being in a hot environment for a long time (``classic/non-exertional heat stroke'').

What are the symptoms of hyperthermia?

The symptoms of `(Hyperthermia)` vary depending on your specific condition. The symptoms of the four main types of the disease we discussed earlier are as follows:

• Heat Rash:
• Small, red, itchy blisters (often on the neck, chest, groin, and elbow creases).
• A prickly feeling on the skin.

• Heat Cramps:
• Excessive sweating.
• Muscle pain or cramps (often in the legs, arms, abdomen).

• Heat Exhaustion:
• Excessive sweating.
• The skin becomes cold, clammy, and clammy, possibly with goosebumps.
• Severe fatigue and weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache.
• Pulse is rapid but weak.
• Slight increase in body temperature.
• There may even be fainting.

• Heat Stroke:
• Very high body temperature (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius).
• Skin becomes red, hot, and dry (no or very little sweating).
• A very fast, pounding pulse.
• A severe, throbbing headache.
• Dizziness, nausea.
• Loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, aggressive behavior.
• Unconsciousness.

The most important thing is that heat stroke is different from other conditions because it affects the brain. In addition to the physical symptoms, it can also cause changes in thinking and behavior. Often, it is those around you who notice the symptoms of heat stroke and seek medical help. If you have heat stroke, you may be confused, disoriented, or unconscious, making it difficult for you to seek help yourself.

What are the causes of diseases caused by excessive heat?

Heat-related illnesses occur when your body's normal mechanisms for regulating temperature are disrupted by excessive heat. This can be caused by extremely hot and humid weather, metabolic heat (the heat your body produces), or both. As a result, your body is unable to dissipate heat efficiently and maintain a normal body temperature. Sometimes, even if your temperature is normal, you may experience other uncomfortable symptoms, such as sweaty palms or muscle cramps.

What are the risk factors for this?

You may be at higher risk for heat-related illnesses if you:

• Exercising in extreme heat - The longer the exercise, the greater the risk. This is something that young children in our country need to be careful about when playing sports like cricket and volleyball during the day.
• Working in a job that requires intense physical activity in a very hot environment (outdoors or indoors). For example, those who work in farming, construction, firefighters, and military service. Imagine how much this risk is for farmers working in our country's fields and workers building roads.
• Dehydration means a lack of water in the body.
• Taking certain medications that affect the body's ability to cool itself (e.g., some high blood pressure medications, allergy medications, and medications for mental illness).
• Having medical conditions that interfere with sweating, such as anhidrosis (a condition in which there is no sweating) or deep burns.

How to identify diseases caused by excessive heat?

Not all heat illnesses are officially diagnosed by a doctor. You can recognize the symptoms of minor conditions, such as sweat blisters and muscle cramps, and manage them at home. However, if your symptoms are severe or don't go away, you may want to see a doctor. If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Typically, a doctor will diagnose your condition by doing a physical exam and talking about your symptoms – how they come and go. Conditions like ``Heat Exhaustion'' and ``Heat Stroke'' are often diagnosed and treated in the emergency room. There, doctors will check your vital signs and review your symptoms. They will start treatment quickly to prevent complications.

What are the treatments for diseases caused by excessive heat?

Treatment depends on the type of illness you have. Heat rash and muscle cramps can usually be managed on your own. For heat exhaustion and heat stroke, you should seek medical attention while taking steps to cool your body.

Here are common treatments for each condition:

• Heat Rash:
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the blistered area dry.
• Use a lotion like calamine lotion or dusting powder to reduce itching.
• Do not wear tight, constricting clothes.

• Heat Cramps:
• Stop physical activity and rest in a cool place.
• Drink water or a salty drink (like a sports drink).
• If the dizziness does not subside within an hour or if you have heart disease/are on a low-salt diet, seek medical advice.
• Gently stretch and massage the muscles.

• Heat Exhaustion:
• Immediately move to a cool, shaded place. If possible, go to an air-conditioned place.
• Loosen or remove tight clothing.
• Soak your body in cold water or apply ice packs (especially to areas like armpits, groin, and neck).
• Drink water or a saline drink little by little.
• If symptoms do not improve within 60 minutes or nausea/vomiting increases, seek medical attention immediately (call 911).

• Heat Stroke:

This is a medical emergency! Call 1990 (ambulance) or another emergency service immediately!

• Immediately move the patient to a cool, shaded place.
• Try to quickly lower body temperature:
• Bathing or soaking in cold water.
• Wrap yourself in cold, wet cloths.
• Place ice packs on your armpits, groin, neck, and back.
• Only give small amounts of water if the patient is conscious. Never give fluids to an unconscious person.
• Continue these cooling techniques until the medical team arrives.

How to prevent hyperthermia?

Here are some things you can do to prevent your body from overheating:

• Wear loose, lightweight, breathable clothing that is appropriate for hot weather. Light-colored clothing is best.
• Whether you're active or not, always drink plenty of water and don't let your body get dehydrated. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If you're working out, you need to drink even more.
• Keep your home at a cool, comfortable temperature by using fans and/or air conditioners (AC).
• If your house is very hot, find cool places (such as shopping malls, community centers, libraries) where you can go in hot weather.
• Limit or stop physical activity in extremely hot conditions. If that is not possible, rest frequently in the shade or a cool indoor area. Exercise during cooler times, such as early in the morning or evening.
• After spending time in the heat, take a shower with cool water.
• Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions or medications you may be taking that put you at risk for heat illness. They can help you reduce these risks whenever possible.

What happens if I get sick from the heat?

Your recovery depends on many factors, including:

• The type of illness you have and its severity.
• How quickly you received treatment.
• Your age and overall health.

Some conditions, like heatstroke, are usually minor and don't have a major impact on your overall health. But heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Your doctor can tell you more about what to expect based on your condition.

When should I seek medical help?

If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 1990 (Suvaseriya) or your local emergency number immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

You may not need medical treatment for muscle cramps or sweat blisters. But if your symptoms are bothersome or get worse, see a doctor. They can rule out other causes and make sure you get the right treatment.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Talking to your doctor about heat-related illnesses is the first step in preventing them. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to help you stay safe from the heat:

• Are there any medical conditions or medications I take that put me at higher risk for heat illness?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• Can you give me some advice on exercising in hot weather?
• What should I do to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in my workplace?
• How much water should I drink a day? How much water should I drink when I'm active?
• How do you recommend I get enough electrolytes?
• What symptoms should I talk to you about?

If you are recovering from a fever, it may be helpful to ask your doctor these questions:

• How long will it take for me to recover?
• When can I resume my normal physical activities?
• How can we prevent this from happening again?
• Will I have any long-term effects or complications?

What are the other causes of hyperthermia besides heat exposure?

Your body temperature can rise even without a heat illness. Hyperthermia can also be caused by:

• Infection: When you get sick, your body (specifically the hypothalamus in the brain) raises your body temperature to help fight the infection. The result is an elevated body temperature that we commonly call a fever . A fever is part of your body's normal immune response to invaders like viruses and bacteria.
• Medications: Some medications can raise your body temperature, sometimes to dangerous levels. For example, some anesthetics (malignant hyperthermia), antipsychotics (neuroleptic malignant syndrome), and drugs that increase serotonin levels in the body (serotonin syndrome) can cause this. Doctors will monitor the use of these and other medications to check for side effects and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Hyperthermia and Fever – What's the difference?

Hyperthermia is the medical term for elevated body temperature. This can have a variety of causes, including infection and exposure to heat.

When your body temperature rises due to an infection, you have a fever. Your hypothalamus starts the process of raising your body temperature. This is like turning up the thermostat in your house. It's intentional, and your body is in control. When the infection is gone, the hypothalamus lowers the setting again, bringing you back to normal.

But when you overheat from hot weather or physical exertion, even though your body temperature rises, we don't call it a fever. That's because your hypothalamus doesn't raise its internal "thermostat." Instead, the heat overwhelms your body, and your body's normal cooling mechanisms (mainly sweating) struggle to cope. It's like turning the AC on full blast on a hot day, but the room temperature doesn't cool down as much as you'd like.

So, a fever is always a state of hyperthermia, but hyperthermia does not always result in a fever.

What are heat-sensitive diseases?

Heat-sensitive diseases are medical conditions that are exacerbated or worsened by exposure to heat. Some examples:

• Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Coronary artery disease
• High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) (diabetics should be especially careful)
• Ischemic stroke
• Kidney failure
• Respiratory tract infections

If you have one of these conditions or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from hot weather.

Finally, the most important things to remember

Hot weather can be beautiful and relaxing. However, there are some risks that come with the heat, and they are not always obvious. Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone. Just because you have worked out in the heat before and had no problems doesn't mean you won't develop heat-related illnesses in the future. It's important to stay hydrated, limit physical activity during hot weather, and take steps to protect others around you.

If you can't avoid heat exposure due to work or other responsibilities, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to reduce your risk of heat illness. They can also explain what symptoms to look out for and when to seek medical attention. Stay healthy!

` Heat, hyperthermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sweat blisters, muscle strain, first aid