Hyperpyrexia, Recognize the Causes and How to Handle It

Hyperpyrexia is a condition characterized by an increase in body temperature above 41°C. This condition can be caused by many things, ranging from severe infections to side effects of general anesthesia. The handling steps must also be in accordance with the cause of hyperpyrexia.

Fever is characterized by an increase in body temperature of more than 37.5°C. This condition is generally not dangerous because it occurs as a form of the body's natural response when fighting infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses

Hyperpyrexia, Recognize the Causes and How to Handle It

Unlike ordinary fever, hyperpyrexia can be caused by medical conditions or serious illnesses that require medical attention.

In addition to experiencing hyperpyrexia, sufferers also experience other symptoms, such as thirst, skin redness, vomiting, diarrhea, and anxiety. If the condition is severe, people with hyperpyrexia can experience rapid breathing and heart rate to a loss of consciousness.

Causes of Hyperpyrexia

Hyperpyrexia is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Therefore, there are many things that can cause hyperpyrexia, namely:

1. Sepsis

Hyperpyrexia can be caused by sepsis, a dangerous complication of an infection that is not treated properly. When sepsis occurs, the body's immune system overreacts to the infection and causes damage to various organs in the body, such as the kidneys, heart, blood vessels and brain.

Sufferers of sepsis will experience extreme changes in body temperature, confusion, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, muscle aches, and little or no urine is produced.

2. Brain hemorrhage

Brain hemorrhages generally occur as a result of a stroke or severe head injury. The presence of bleeding in the brain can cause disturbances in the hypothalamus which causes regulation of body temperature to be disrupted. Therefore, this condition can increase body temperature very high

3. Side effects of general anesthesia

Hyperpyrexia can also appear as a side effect of general anesthesia or general anesthesia. This can happen to people who have the condition malignant hyperthermia (MH), which is a condition when the body reacts excessively to general anesthesia.

People with MH who receive general anesthesia are prone to experiencing a very high increase in body temperature, tense and stiff muscles, and a fast pulse.

4. Thyroid crisis

Thyroid crisis occurs when the level of thyroid hormone in the blood is very high. This hormone is responsible for regulating several body functions, one of which is body temperature. If the body produces too much thyroid hormone, the temperature will rise even higher

5. Heatstrokes

Heatstroke is a condition when the body temperature rises drastically to 40°C or more. This can happen when someone does activities in a very hot environment, such as extreme sports, so that the body has difficulty controlling body temperature.

6. Effect of drugs

Hyperpyrexia can also occur due to side effects from the use of drugs that are not according to doctor's recommendations. Some drugs that can make the body temperature too high are antipsychotics and antidepressants.

The abuse of the above drugs and the use of ecstasy can have serious effects on the body, one of which is hyperpyrexia.

How to Handle Hyperpyrexia

Knowing the causes of hyperpyrexia is the main key to treating this condition. As an initial treatment, there are several steps to reduce body temperature in people who experience hyperpyrexia, namely:

  • Wear thin and loose clothing so that heat can escape through the skin.
  • Drink lots of water so that the body does not lose a lot of fluids and stays hydrated
  • Compress or take a cold shower to bring down a temperature that is too high.

In addition to the initial treatment above, hyperpyrexia sufferers also need to be examined by a doctor to find out the cause of the extreme rise in temperature. That way, doctors can provide further treatment, such as administering intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and antithyroid drugs

Hyperpyrexia is most often caused by a serious medical condition, so medical attention needs to be given immediately. If not treated immediately, life-threatening complications can occur

Therefore, don't hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience an increase in body temperature to 41°C or more, especially if this condition is accompanied by other symptoms that have been mentioned previously.

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