Hyperthermia, its causes and risks from the pathophysiologist’s perspective

Czech version

Authors: Bernášková Klára
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav patofyziologie, 3. lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova, Praha
Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2022; 77 (4): 241-245.
Category:
doi: https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2022/040

Overview

Hyperthermia, the risk of which is increasing in our geographical area due to climate change, is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. High ambient temperatures activate thermoregulation, altering the body’s homeostasis and causing different symptoms depending on the degree of heat stress. Extreme hyperthermia triggers the vicious circle, which gradually leads to exhaustion of thermoregulatory capacity, impairment of vital organ function and death. It is a heat stroke that can result from simple overheating (CHS) or physical exertion in a hot environment (EHS). According to statistics, seniors and children are most at risk of hyperthermia.

Keywords:

children – thermoregulation – skin blood flow – sweating – heat illness – heat stroke

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