Hyperthermia? Help!
In this article, we look at Hyperthermia which refers to the elevated temperature of the human body due to a failure of thermoregulation and in severe cases can result in death.
Hyperthermia is most often caused by two things: heat stroke and/ or a reaction to drugs. Here, we will discuss the reaction to heat.
Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature drops below 37 ºC, with Hyperthermia the definition is defined as a temperature greater than 37.5 to 38.3 ºC. Hyperthermia can be life threatening if temperatures are close or above 40 ºC.
Rapid breathing, a fast and or weak pulse with heavy sweating are the early signs of Hyperthermia and for many, we would refer to this as heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke takes things up a notch and is the body’s inability to cool down - skin will become hot and dry. A runner, for example, will very likely feel sick, dizzy and may well complain of headaches. As conditions become worse, a runner may well pass out.
If breathing increases and the runner acts a little like a person who has had too much alcohol, chances are the condition has elevated to a severe level. You may well find that you are on the receiving end of hostile behaviour. Blood pressure will drop, heart rate will increase and the runner’s skin colour may well change. If this happens, the condition is serious and it can result in death if not treated. Call for help!
How does Hyperthermia happen?
A runner loses heat via sweating. This sweat evaporates on the skin which dissipates heat by convection, assuming that humidity is low enough. Heat stroke will occur when the bodies thermoregulation is overwhelmed.
Overwhelming the body (in simplistic terms) may come from excessive environmental heat (running in a hot climate), running too fast or too hard, being dehydrated, a lack of free flowing air that will help cool the body or a lack of water to splash on the body to cool down.
So how does one avoid Hyperthermia?
We have to remember here that we are talking about Hyperthermia directly relating to running or participating in an event. Therefore, it’s quite simple - when external temperatures rise a runner needs to slow down, take more rest, hydrate, wear protective clothing and monitor constantly how they feel. If water is available, pour it on the back of the neck and take every opportunity to find shade.
Of course, if you enter an event where you know that conditions will be hot, it makes sense to adapt prior to the event by training in hot climates or using the facilities of a heat chamber to simulate possible race conditions.
How does one treat Hyperthermia?
Shade, an ability to stop, apply water and re-hydrate in most scenarios will be fine for mild Hyperthermia.
Should conditions be more severe, active cooling will be required by removing clothing, finding a cool, dark place and then applying water to the body and and applying a wet towel to the head and neck. Ultimately, in all cases of Hyperthermia, the priority is to reduce the heat and return the body back to normal as soon as possible.
Extreme cases are a medical emergency and require the help of a professional. Don’t hesitate to call an emergency number and apply any active cooling that is possible before the emergency services arrive. If possible, submerge the person in water. A hospital can provide the best care for extreme cases that include iced saline, gastric lavage and intravenous hydration.
Conclusion
It all sounds scary, huh? The reality is, though, that with a sense of awareness and some common sense, heat stroke can be avoided by being prepared and sensible.
· If you know you will participate in a hot climate, adapt in advance of the race with multiple heat chamber sessions.
· Wear a hat.
· Wear sensible clothing.
· Keep hydrated and think about salt replacement.
· Slow down.
· Take rest breaks.
· Find some shade.
· Pour water on your neck and head.
Next time the mercury rises, be sensible, re evaluate targets and thank your lucky stars that you read this article on Hyperthermia, it may well make your next hot weather training session or race a far more pleasurable and safe one!
Exert of Article by Ian Corless from RunUltra.co.uk to read full article click here.