Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia, a body temperature above normal, indicates that the body's regulatory mechanisms have been overcome. If heat exhaustion sets in, the individual becomes tired, complains of a headache, and may experience vomiting. Blood pressure may be low, and there may have been a loss of salts, due to profuse sweating. Bed rest and increased fluid and salt intake are helpful.
Heat stroke is characterized by an elevated temperature, up to 43°C (1100F). Dizziness, confusion, and delusions may occur. It is important to cool the body off immediately by immersing the person in cool water. Medical care is needed to restore the body's proper fluid and salt balance.
Fever is a special case of hyperthermia that can be brought on by an illness, such as an infection. Bacteria release toxic substances, some of which are called pyrogens (pyro,meaning fire, heatl because ther cause fever. During, the first stages of an infection, the body's thermostat in the hypothalamus is reset at a higher level. The person feels chilled, even though the body's temperature is increasing. Once the temperature has risen to the new settin& the body will maintain this temperature (that is, the fever will continue) until the infection has been brought to an end. At that time, the fever will break, as the skin becomes flushed and sweating occurs, and the patient is said to have passed the crisis.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, a body temperature below normal, also indicates that the body's regulatory mechanisms have been overcome. At first hypothermia is characterized by uncontrollable shivering, incoherent speech, and a lack of coordination (body temperature 90-95°F). Then the pulse rate slows and hallucinations occur as unconsciousness develops (body temperature 80-90°F). Breathing becomes shallow, and there is diminished shivering; rigidity of the body develops. This degree of hypothermia is associated with a 50% mortality.
hypothermia are two conditions that can result vvhen the body's temperature regulatory mechanism is overcome. With hyperthermia, the body temperature rises above normal, and vvith hypothermia, the body temperature falls below normal.
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