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Apr 23, 2024 · Low-grade fevers: 99.1 to 100.4 F. Moderate-grade fevers: 100.6 to 102.2 F. High-grade fevers: 102.4 to 105.8 F. If you're an adult with a fever of over 104 F, you should call your doctor. If you ...
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Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature. Also called heat illnesses, there are several forms of hyperthermia. Heat cramps are fairly mild, whereas heat exhaustion is more severe. Heatstroke is the most serious form of hyperthermia and can be life-threatening.
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What causes hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia occurs when your body takes in more heat than it releases. Sweat is your body’s natural cooling mechanism, but sometimes sweating isn’t sufficient to keep your body at a normal temperature. When this happens, your body temperature can rise. Physical exertion in very hot, humid weather is the most common cause of hyperthermia.
What are the symptoms of hyperthermia?
Heat cramps typically cause sudden muscle spasms in your feet, calves, thighs, hands or arms. The cramps might feel painful or tense. Your muscles might be sore after the cramp passes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Blurred vision. Dizziness. Fast breathing or heart rate. Fatigue. Headache. Light-headedness or syncope (fainting). Low blood pressure. Muscle aches or cramps. Nausea and vomiting. Weakness. Symptoms of heatstroke can often be similar to those of heat exhaustion, but may also include: Anhidrosis (dry skin that doesn’t sweat). Balance problems. Delirium (confusion or disorientation). Hot, flushed skin or very pale skin. Low or high blood pressure. Seizures. People with heatstroke can develop shock, slip into a coma, experience organ failure or die. If you experience symptoms of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention.
How is hyperthermia diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose hyperthermia by reviewing your symptoms, performing a physical exam and taking your temperature. They may also order blood or urine tests.
How are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat stress treated?
If you experience mild-to-moderate heat illness symptoms, you should: Stop physical activity and rest in a cool, well-ventilated environment. Remove heavy or tight clothing. Drink slightly salty beverages to replace lost electrolytes. You can have sports drinks or water with a few teaspoons of salt mixed in. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Apply a cool compress to your skin. Keep irritated skin dry. Apply a powder or ointment to reduce discomfort from a rash. Gently stretch any muscles that are cramping. You can usually treat these conditions at home. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend intravenous (IV) fluid replacement through a catheter in your arm.
How is heatstroke treated?
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires treatment in a hospital. If you’re waiting for an ambulance to arrive, try to cool the person as much as possible: Immerse them in cool water, if possible. Mist them with water and blow air across their bodies (evaporative cooling). Apply ice packs to the neck, groin and armpits. Avoid giving any medications, including aspirin and acetaminophen. At the hospital, you may receive cooled IV fluids. A healthcare provider may also recommend cold-water lavage. This is a procedure that washes out body cavities with cold water. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment
How can I prevent hyperthermia?
In most cases, it’s possible to prevent hyperthermia. You should: Avoid strenuous physical activity in hot, humid conditions. Consume sports drinks, lightly salted water or broth. Never leave children (or pets) in closed, hot spaces such as cars. Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas during heat waves. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing if you’ll be out in the heat. If you must do activities in the heat due to your job or a sport, let your body gradually acclimate to the heat. Start doing light work or exercise about two weeks before you need to do the really hard work. Then, gradually build your body’s ability to withstand high temperatures. If possible, plan to do the work during the early morning hours when it might be cooler.
What’s the prognosis (outlook) for people with hyperthermia?
Most people recover fully from heat illnesses once they rest in a cool environment and replace lost electrolytes. But heatstroke can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
When should I contact my doctor?
Contact your doctor if you or someone else: Has a high fever. Has trouble walking, breathing or speaking. Is sweating excessively. Loses consciousness. Seems confused or disoriented. A note from Cleveland Clinic Hyperthermia, or heat illness, is an abnormally high body temperature. It’s usually the result of doing too much physical activity in hot, humid weather. Infants, the elderly, athletes and people with strenuous outdoor occupations are at the highest risk for hyperthermia. Heat illnesses can range from mild (heat cramps or heat exhaustion) to severe (heatstroke). People with a heat illness should cool their body temperature right away. Call 911 immediately at the first signs of heatstroke. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/19/2021. Learn more about our editorial process.
May 22, 2023 · Body temperature is often higher in the afternoon than it is when you wake up in the morning. Fever means a body temperature of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher. High fever in adults. While any temperature above your normal temperature range is considered a fever, there are different levels of fever severity: Low-grade: 99.1 to 100.4 F (37.3 to 38.0 C)
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
Apr 30, 2024 · Most people probably grew up being told a body’s normal temperature was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37 degrees Celsius). That widely accepted number originated from a study done in the mid-1800s ...
Jan 12, 2024 · As mentioned, what’s considered normal body temperature can vary by age. In general, for older children (around ages 11 and up) and adults, body temperature typically falls between 97.5 and 99.5 ...
Aug 9, 2023 · It is usually agreed that a person with a temperature of 38°C or higher has a fever. However, a temperature over 37.5°C can be considered to be a mild fever. Fevers occur in both children and adults and are very common, particularly in children. Fevers are often accompanied by sweating. Continue reading below.
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