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Hyperthermia - Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Identify Warning Signs, Combat and Treat Dangerous Overheating

Sep 26, 2008

Lightweight Clothing and Hats Provide Protection, Laurie Lee Dovey

Hyperthermia poses a serious health threat to anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Learn to Identify warning signs, combat the ailments and treat mild cases.

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature that results from overexposure to heat or overexertion in excess temperatures. Medicinenet.com, in its article "What is Hyperthermia", explains the word's origins. It combines "hyper" (high) with "thermia", which comes from the Greek word thermes (heat).

Wilderness survival specialist Dr. William Forgey reported, during an interview with Suite 101, that temperature can cause problems for outdoorsmen faster than any other element. Forgey is the author of more than a dozen books on survival and first aid.

Forgey encourages hunters and anglers to learn how to identify the warning signs of hyperthermia, how to combat hyperthermia and how to treat it in the field.

Warning Signs of Hyperthermia

Heat Cramps are the mildest form of hyperthermia and can be identified by involuntary muscle twitching and cramps -- spasms in the arms, legs and abdomen.

Heat Exhaustion results from dehydration (fluid depletion). Common symptoms include thirst, dry tongue and mouth, fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, elevated body temperature, mental dullness and incoordination.

Heatstroke is produced by exposure to high temperatures, especially when accompanied by exertion. The onset is often abrupt and preceded by headache, vertigo and fatigue. Diarrhea, vomiting, elevated body temperature, rapid pulse, confusion and unconsciousness also may occur. In severe cases, a high fever, vascular collapse, and coma develop.

7 Tips for Combating Hyperthermia

Identify personal hot-weather tolerance levels by determining the length of time a hot environment can be endured without suffering mild symptoms of hyperthermia. Also slowly and carefully test how much physical exertion is safe in hot weather.
Get adequate rest.
Consult a dietitian regarding the right kinds of foods to eat before spending long periods in hot weather or before planned activities that require exertion.
Take into consideration all weather factors, not just temperature. Humidity is a critical factor to consider as well. Humidity impairs the ability to sweat.
Incorporate proper hydration into daily routines and greatly increase hydration for a number of days before the outing and while outdoors.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a light-colored hat with sizeable brim for protection from the sun.
Utilize cooling packs or vests, if necessary.

Treatment for Mild to Moderate Hyperthermia

Slowly rehydrate by drinking cool liquids.
Sponge or mist skin with cool water.
Remove heavy or dark clothing.
Get into a shaded and breezy area or move into a cool indoor environment.
Forego continued exertion.

"Both heat and cold can cause fatal complications," Forgey says. "When venturing afield, think through a variety of temperature protection issues, such as evaporative heat loss, wind chill protection, solar radiation (too much heat) and water protection. Evaluate how each could affect you and be prepared to combat and treat the ailments."

The copyright of the article Hyperthermia - Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in Hunting & Fishing is owned by Laurie Lee Dovey. Permission to republish Hyperthermia - Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.