| Condition |
Definition |
Causes |
Treatment |
| Hyperthermia |
Elevated body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) due to the body's inability to regulate heat effectively.
|
- Heatstroke (environmental exposure to high temperatures)
- Exertional heat illness (intense physical activity in hot environments)
- Medications (e.g., anticholinergics, diuretics, and stimulants)
- Infections causing fever (e.g., sepsis)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism)
- Dehydration
|
- Immediate cooling: Move to a cool area, remove excess clothing
- Hydration: Administer fluids orally or intravenously
- Active cooling measures: Apply cold packs to the armpits, neck, and groin; sponge with cool water
- In severe cases: Immersion in cool water or using cooling blankets
- Treat underlying cause (e.g., infections or medication-induced)
- Monitor vital signs and electrolyte balance
|
| Hyperpyrexia |
Extreme elevation of body temperature, typically above 41°C (105.8°F), often due to severe infections or neurological causes.
|
- Severe infections (e.g., bacterial or viral infections, sepsis)
- Cerebral hemorrhage or brain trauma
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Heatstroke
- Malignant hyperthermia (anesthesia-related)
|
- Immediate cooling measures: Cooling blankets, ice packs, or immersion in cool water
- Administration of antipyretic drugs (e.g., acetaminophen) if due to infection
- Intravenous fluids for hydration
- Management of underlying cause (e.g., infection control or treatment of neurological conditions)
- In severe cases, sedation or intubation for temperature management may be necessary
|
| Hypothermia |
Core body temperature below 35°C (95°F) due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
|
- Prolonged exposure to cold weather or cold water
- Inadequate clothing or shelter in cold environments
- Injuries such as burns or trauma increasing heat loss
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia)
- Sepsis or shock
|
- Move to a warm environment and remove wet clothing
- Provide warm blankets and warm drinks
- Use external warming devices: heating pads, warm water bottles
- In severe cases: Warm intravenous fluids or warm air rewarming (bear hugger)
- Monitor cardiac rhythm, as hypothermia can cause arrhythmias
- Address underlying causes (e.g., sepsis, trauma)
|