First Aid Guides
Hyperthermia
Causes, signs and symptoms
Heat induced conditions occur when the body's core temperature is elevated. This is known as hyperthermia and it consists of two stages; heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
What can cause hyperthermia?
- Excessive heat absorption from a hot environment such as the sun or a sauna
- Excessive heat production from exercise
- Failure of the body to cool itself down naturally
- A change in the body's normal temperature
What are the symptoms of hyperthermia?
Heat exhaustion
- Painful muscle cramps in legs and abdomen
- Feeling hot, exhausted and weak
- Rapid breathing, shortness of breath and pale, cool clammy skin
Heat stroke
- High body temperature
- Flushed hot, dry skin
- Pounding, rapid pulse which gradually weakens
- Thirst
- Headache, dizziness or faintness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
