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Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
Hypothermia is a decrease in body temperature compared to the need. It usually occurs when the body radiates more heat than it absorbs. The normal minimum temperature of the human body is usually considered to be 35 degrees Celsius or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia will occur only if it is below this.
Hyperthermia is the opposite of hypothermia - when the
body temperature increases more than the heat produced by the body. Death can
happen if not alerted in time - by both. Hyperthermia is usually called
heatstroke.
Our body can release excess heat caused by any reason
through sweat. But if there is an exception to this, that is, if the heat
generated in the body cannot be released, the internal temperature increases,
resulting in the body becoming ill. At this time, dizziness, headache, nausea,
and extreme thirst may occur. For the same reason, the blood vessels in the
body expand, warm blood flows under the skin, and as the blood density
increases, blood pressure starts to decrease, and the patient may become unconscious.
When the body temperature rises above 40 degrees, the body cells start to
deform. The normal functioning of the cells is disrupted. Even the cells may
die. There is a risk of organ failure. Death may also occur.
A doctor should be recalled on an urgent basis.
I came to know about these two problems while visiting
a sick relative. I was surprised to know the cause and severity.
Experts say - In general, when the temperature
suddenly drops a lot in winter, various health risks arise. The most dangerous
of these is hypothermia or a decrease in the body's internal temperature.
Again, apart from cold weather, it was not known before that anyone can get hypothermia. Physical/mental fatigue, lack of sleep can also cause hypothermia - I think many people like me do not know this. But it also happens - I first learned about it after seeing the problem of my relative. You should also know and be aware.
The normal temperature inside our body is 98.6 degrees
Fahrenheit. Without an adequate immune system for a long time, the normal body
temperature can drop to 95 degrees in severe cold. At this time, the body's
organs do not function properly, which is a risk of death.
Generally, we think that no matter how cold it gets in
this country, there will be no more snow. But some vulnerable people can go
into hypothermia in the winter here. For example: the elderly and newborns,
uprooted and homeless people, patients with diabetic neurological
complications, alcohol addicts and patients with minor/major mental problems
(depressed or sleep deprived).
The first symptom of hypothermia - the body becomes
extremely cold, the hair stands on end, the body starts shivering - through
which the muscles and skin try to generate heat. This is the body's automatic
mechanism given by God - to build resistance against the cold.
But even then, if the internal temperature drops and
the body is unable to generate heat, this normal shivering may also stop. Then
symptoms such as slow breathing and heartbeat, slurred speech may appear. In
this situation, if immediate action is not taken, that is, if treatment is not
started, heart failure can occur or death can occur due to the respiratory
system not functioning properly.
Whether it is hypothermia or hyperthermia, the first
thing to pay attention to is the weather. If the weather is normal – these two
are not the problems. A doctor will be needed to diagnose the problem. If hypothermia
occurs due to mental or other health problems mentioned, consult a doctor on an
urgent basis.
If such a problem occurs due to cold, the patient
should be taken to a warmer place immediately. If the problem is wet due to fog
or rain, the cold clothes should be removed and dry warm clothes should be put
on. Then, the patient should be covered with a warm blanket or scarf, socks
should be worn on the feet and gloves should be worn on the hands. Hot liquids
such as tea, lukewarm water or soup should be given to drink. If the patient
feels heart palpitations and breathing problems, he should be taken to the
hospital immediately.
