What does hypothermia and hyperthermia mean?

This is not medical advice; please visit a doctor.

Did you mean hypothermia and hyperthermia?

As explained by WebMD, "hypothermia" is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower.

Accidental hypothermia usually happens after cold temperature exposure without enough warm, dry clothing for protection.

Even milder environments can also lead to hypothermia, depending on a person's age, body mass, body fat, overall health, and length of time exposed to cold temperatures.

Some medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, certain medications, severe trauma, or using drugs or alcohol all increase the risk of hypothermia.

"Hyperthermia," according to the National Institutes of Health, is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are commonly known forms of hyperthermia.

There are several health-related factors that may increase the risk of hyperthermia (some especially common among older people), including:

• Being dehydrated.
• Age-related changes to the skin such as impaired blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
• Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
• High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.
• Reduced sweating caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
• Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue taking prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.
• Being substantially overweight or underweight.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.

Check out some tips and tricks to help you stay cool in warm weather shared by BBC.... Show More