Hyperthermia and hypothermia are conditions when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. It occurs when the temperature of the body is abnormally too high or too low. Both conditions are related to extreme temperatures but differ at many points, let’s see the difference between the two conditions.

Hyperthermia vs Hypothermia

Definition:

Hyperthermia:

Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature abnormally higher than the normal temperature of the body.

Hypothermia:

Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature abnormally lower than the normal temperature of the body.

Risk factors/ causes:

Risk factors are those factors that increase the risk of certain diseases:

Hyperthermia:

The following are the risk factors of hyperthermia:

  • Dehydration
  • Changes in skin (such as poor blood circulation and ineffective sweat glands)
  • Underweight (lower than normal weight) or overweight (higher than normal weight)
  • Excess alcohol drinking
  • Heart diseases
  • Kidney diseases
  • Lung diseases
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Decreased perspiration (a process of sweating) due to any reason
  • Diet (such as salt restricted diet)
  • Certain medications
  • Certain diseases
  • Exposure to high heat
  • Sensitivity to heat
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Age (extreme of ages such as very young or very old more than the age of 65 years old)
  • Hot environment.

Hypothermia:

The following are the risk factors of hypothermia:

  • Age (extreme of ages such as very young or very old more than the age of 65 years old)
  • Exhaustion
  • Dementia or mental problems
  • Excess alcohol drinking
  • Certain medications (antipsychotics antidepressants,  sedatives, etc)
  • Certain diseases (hypothyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or dehydration, etc)
  • Prolong staying in a too cold environment
  • Living in a too much air conditioned house which is too cold
  • Wearing such clothes which are not too warm in cold weather
  • Living in a house with a poor heating system.

Types:

Hyperthermia:

Following are the different types of hyperthermia:

  • Heat stroke
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat syncope
  • Heat cramps
  • Heat fatigue.

Hypothermia:

Following are the different types of hypothermia:

  • Mild hypothermia
  • Moderate hypothermia
  • Severe hypothermia.

Signs and symptoms or clinical presentation:

Hyperthermia:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of hyperthermia. The most common presentation of hyperthermia is the following:

  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Rapid breathing
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle ache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Syncope
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dehydration.

Hypothermia:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of hypothermia. The most common presentation of hypothermia is the following:

  • Bradycardia (decreased heart rate)
  • Drowsiness
  • Shivering
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech (mumbling)
  • Difficult to find the pulse
  • Frost bite
  • Exhaustion
  • Tiredness
  • Memory loss
  • Slow and shallow breathing
  • Fumbling hands and stumbling steps.

Investigations or lab tests:

Hyperthermia:

The following are the investigations to diagnose hyperthermia:

  • Genetic testing
  • Serum electrolytes
  • Venous blood gases
  • Caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT)
  • Muscle enzyme deficiency screening
  • Muscle biopsy.

Hypothermia:

The following are the investigations to diagnose hypothermia:

  • Hypothermia is more diagnosed by the patient’s physical signs
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Serum electrolytes.

Treatment:

Hyperthermia:

The following are the treatment options for hyperthermia:

  • Rest (stop whatever activity are you doing and take a rest)
  • Take plenty of fluids
  • If wearing tight clothes remove them immediately
  • Take bath in cold or ice water
  • Fan air over the patient
  • Applying of ice packs (put ice packs under armpits, neck, groin, or back)
  • Immerse the patient in cold water.

Hypothermia:

The following are the treatment options for hypothermia:

  • In case of mild hypothermia cover the person with blankets that are warm enough and drink warm liquids
  • Warm intravenous (Iv) fluids
  • Irrigation
  • Remove the person from the cold environment
  • Apply warm and dry compresses.

Complications:

Hyperthermia:

The following are the complications of hyperthermia:

  • Heat stroke (it will lead to permanent damage of vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidney, liver, etc)
  • Rhabdomyolysis (releasing of electrolytes and proteins into the bloodstream from damaged muscle)
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heart beat)
  • Delirium
  • Shock
  • Coma
  • Death.

Hypothermia:

The following are the complications of hypothermia:

  • Heart failure
  • Respiratory failure
  • Frostbite
  • Gangrene.

Conclusion:

Hyperthermia or hypothermia both can lead to fatal conditions if not treated on time and properly.

By- Dr. Pashmina.