The human body has a normal temperature range in which it carries out metabolic processes normally. On average, the body temperature is maintained at 37 °C or 98.6 °F. It ranges from 36.1 °C to 37.2 °C or 97 °F to 99 ° F. However, if the temperature exceeds this level, metabolic disturbances start to occur which manifest as signs and symptoms of overheating. In this post, we look at what causes overheating and how to stop overheating of the body.
The body may overheat if exposed to an environment that promotes build up of excess heat. Heat can come from within the body or from outside factors. Either way, the body loses the ability to remove excess heat and it's temperature exceeds beyond the normal range.
The body may overheat if exposed to an environment that promotes build up of excess heat. Heat can come from within the body or from outside factors. Either way, the body loses the ability to remove excess heat and it's temperature exceeds beyond the normal range.
Sources of excess heat
- Overexposure to sun
- Humid environments
- Fever due to illness
- Heat in industrial places
- Too much attire
- Central heating in the house
Symptoms of overheating
- Excessive sweating
- Confusion, drowsiness
- Syncope
- Excessive thirst
- Headache
- Fatigue
Strategies to reduce overheating of body
- Reduce the heat from source
- Lower the body temperature
1. Reduce heat from source
This includes:- Getting the person out of the sun into the shade
- Turning of any machinery/appliance that may be radiating heat
- In other words you need to take the person to some place which is cool.
2. Lower body temperature
This includes:- Giving medications that lower a fever like aspirin
- Reducing ambient temperature by lowering setting of air con
- Turning fan on to blow away heat from the body
- Exposing the person by taking off excess attire
- Wiping sweat to promote heat loss
- Encouraging the person to take cold fluids
- If possible to take a cold shower
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