Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition resulting from the body producing or absorbing more heat than it can dissipate, usually due to excessive exposure to heat. The homeothermal regulatory mechanisms eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, and body temperature climbs uncontrollably. This is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. Body temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) are life-threatening. At 41 °C (106 °F), brain death begins, and at 45 °C (113 °F) death is nearly certain. Internal temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) will cause rigidity in the muscles and certain, immediate death.

Related Topics:
F - Brain death

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Signs include increasing body temperature (hyperpyrexia), dehydration (often with lack of sweating), seizures, collapse, and decreased consciousness which proceeds rapidly to multi-organ failure and death as the brain "cooks".

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Heat stroke follows a less life-threatening condition commonly referred to as heat exhaustion or heat prostration, and may come on suddenly. Vigilance is required in order to prevent and treat this rapidly dangerous condition. The first symptom of a serious heat stroke may be that the victim has stopped sweating. Because the evaporation of water is endothermic, body heat is normally taken away by the evaporation of sweat. When the body is no longer capable of sweating, core temperature begins to rise, immediately and swiftly. The victim will become confused, often hostile, and may seem drunk. The body temperature must be lowered immediately, and the victim must be hydrated by drinking water or by intravenous fluids. Other substances may be used in place of water if absolutely necessary; however, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided, because of their diuretic properties.

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Hyperthermia can be intentionally produced for medical purposes. "Induced hyperthermia" may be used as a cancer treatment to kill or weaken tumor cells, with negligible effects on healthy cells. Tumor cells, with a disorganized and compact vascular structure, have difficulty dissipating heat. These cells may undergo apoptosis in direct response to applied heat while healthy cells can more easily maintain a normal temperature. Carefully controlled hyperthermia is then a very selective treatment. Yet even if the cancerous cells do not die outright, they are more susceptible to ionizing radiation treatments or to certain chemotherapies which allows the latter treatments to be given in smaller doses. A far infrared sauna is an excellent modality to promote hyperthermia.

Related Topics:
Cancer - Vascular - Apoptosis

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