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Related Concept Videos

Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature01:19

Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature

Hyperthermia occurs when the body's temperature becomes unusually high, often due to heat exposure, intense physical activity, or certain illnesses. This condition can create a dangerous cycle where elevated body temperature increases the metabolic rate, generating more heat and potentially leading to organ failure and brain damage. A severe form of hyperthermia, called heat stroke, can raise body temperature to life-threatening levels. Fever, on the other hand, is a controlled form of...
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.
Factors Affecting Body Temperature01:28

Factors Affecting Body Temperature

As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may  include:
Decreased Body Temperature01:29

Decreased Body Temperature

A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
Methods of reducing fever01:22

Methods of reducing fever

The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Types of Fever01:25

Types of Fever

Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
Here are the different types of fever:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
08:22

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice

Published on: July 1, 2021

Heat-Related Illnesses.

Robert L Gauer1, Ryan McNutt2, Kevon Bryan2

  • 1Internal Medicine Residency Program at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

American Family Physician
|May 8, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Heat-related illnesses range from mild conditions to life-threatening heat stroke. Prevention involves acclimatization, hydration, and avoiding activity in extreme heat.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 9, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
08:22

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice

Published on: July 1, 2021

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

Prevention of Heat Stress Adverse Effects in Rats by Bacillus subtilis Strain
07:57

Prevention of Heat Stress Adverse Effects in Rats by Bacillus subtilis Strain

Published on: July 11, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Sports Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Heat-related illnesses (HRIs) are conditions caused by the body's inability to dissipate heat in high temperatures.
  • HRIs present a spectrum from mild (heat rash, cramps) to severe (heat stroke, exertional collapse).
  • Risk factors include physical exertion, dehydration, lack of acclimatization, and certain medical conditions or medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the spectrum of heat-related illnesses.
  • To identify common risk factors associated with HRIs.
  • To describe the diagnosis and management of various HRIs, emphasizing prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on heat-related illnesses.
  • Categorization of HRIs based on severity and clinical presentation.
  • Identification of key risk factors and preventative strategies.

Main Results:

  • HRIs range from heat edema and cramps to exertional collapse, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
  • Severe forms include exertional collapse with sickle cell trait, exercise-associated hyponatremia, and heat stroke.
  • Effective management depends on early recognition and appropriate treatment, with heat stroke requiring immediate cooling.

Conclusions:

  • Heat-related illnesses are preventable through proper acclimatization, hydration, and avoiding strenuous activity in extreme heat.
  • Public health interventions are crucial, especially during heat waves.
  • Prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment are vital for managing severe HRIs and preventing mortality.