Know All About
HYPERPYREXIA / HEAT STROKE
Definition:
When the body temperature exceeds 105� F or 41� C, it is called as hyperpyrexia.
Signs & Symptons
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Drowsiness
- Delirium
- Dry flushed skin in the absence of sweating
- Shock – cold extremities
- Seizures
- Haemorrhage if fever is of prolonged duration
Causes
- Following acute infections like Malaria, Pneumonia, tonsillitis, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Typhoid fever, enteritis
- Exposure to sun/ high environmental temperature for a short time
Risk Increases With
- Malnutrition
- Excessive clothing during fever
- Closed room and absence of free circulation of air
- Deficient intake of water or depletion of water through diarrhea/ vomiting
- High humidity in the atmosphere
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Keep the child in a cool room
- Give glucose – salt water drinks
- Remove the child’s clothes and sponge with cool water. This promotes circulation in a collapsed patient and increases heat loss. Sponging should be stopped when body temperature reaches 38.5 ℃
- Rush your child to the doctor instead of trying antipyretics like Paracetamol at home as oral drugs are of no use in hyperpyrexia.