Hyperthermia

The abnormal elevation of body temperature, unrelated to fever, as a result of an imbalance between the body’s heat production and heat loss.  It may be caused by heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, or to medications including beta blockers, diuretics, and antihypertensives.  These drugs reduce sweating, thereby reducing the body’s ability to dissipate body heat.  It may lead to organ failure and death.  Athletes training during heat waves are at risk, as well as elderly patients or babies who do not have access to fluids.  Alcoholics, the morbidly obese, and patients with multiple medical problems are also at higher risk.  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, or fainting, rapid breathing, dry skin, seizures, altered mental status, delirium, coma, and pulmonary edema.  The key treatment is cooling, including fluid replenishment and resting in a cool environment.