Background
- Hyperpyrexia is elevated body temperature.
- Fever is elevated body temperature in response to a change in hypothalamic set point (infections).
- Hyperthermia is elevated body temperature without a change in hypothalamic set point (heat illness, hyperthyroid, drugs).
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that heat flows from hot to cold.
- Heat transfer can occur through several processes:
a. Radiation
b. Conduction
c. Convection
d. Evaporation
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms: weak, dizzy, nauseated, headache, sweating, normal mental status. Heat exhaustion requires replacement of fluids and electrolytes.
Heat stroke
Symptoms: Hyperthermia + mental status changes. Heat stroke requires immediate cooling.