Everything About Hyperthermia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Our body is adapted to maintain an optimal temperature for various life functions. The average body temperature is 37C or 98.5 F. This ability of our body to regulate heat is known as thermoregulation. When we suffer from fever, our body temperature rises above average to produce more heat from killing the pathogens causing infection.

However, several health conditions cause body temperature to rise sharply for longer. One such condition is Hyperthermia.

This article will detail hyperthermia and its symptoms.

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is an abnormal health condition wherein your body's temperature rises above the normal range. This happens often because of some external factors or the body's inability to balance the internal heat levels.

Does Hyperthermia Cause Cancer?

There are no known cases where Hyperthermia has been observed as the root cause of any cancer.

There is a very complex relationship between cancer and hyperthermia. While hyperthermia doesn't directly cause cancer, it's being explored as a potential therapy for the treatment of some cancers along with other therapies. During Hyperthermia cancer treatment, the body temperature rises as high as 113°F with the help of microwaves, radiowaves or heating fluids. This can damage and kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue. Moreover, high body temperature can make malignant cells more susceptible to radiation and chemotherapy. It can also stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

However, in some cases, hyperthermia can be a symptom of advanced cancer. It may form a malignant hyperthermia due to the body's inflammatory response to a tumour.

What is Malignant Hyperthermia?

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare health condition which is a potentially life-threatening genetic disorder. It involves a severe reaction to certain medications used for anaesthesia, particularly volatile anaesthetics and the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. This reaction triggers a rapid and uncontrolled increase in body temperature (Hyperthermia), muscle rigidity, and other serious complications.

What is the Actual Cause of Malignant Hyperthermia?

Since Malignant Hyperthermia is scarce, its actual cause is unknown. However, it is generally caused by a rapid onset of triggering agents after surgery. Accordingly, here are some possible causes behind the occurrence of malignant Hyperthermia:

• Triggered by Anesthesia: MH is typically triggered by exposure to specific anaesthetic agents.
• Genetic Predisposition: It is an inherited condition, often with a family history of MH or related muscle disorders.
• Rapid Onset: Symptoms usually develop quickly after exposure to triggering agents, often during or shortly after surgery.
• Life-Threatening: MH can be fatal if not promptly recognized and treated.

What are the Symptoms behind Malignant Hyperthermia?

Given below are some symptoms that indicate the possibility of malignant hyperthermia:

• Persistent Hyperthermia: A rapid and significant rise in body temperature for a long duration can be an alarming sign.
• Stiffness in Muscles: You may experience stiffness in the jaw and chest muscles, which can be a sign of MH.
• Tachycardia & Tachypnea: A sudden rise in body temperature may also cause rapid heart rate (Tachycardia) and breathing (Tachypnea).
• Hypercapnia: this refers to high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
• Acidosis: Hypercapnia may lead to high blood acidity called acidosis.
• Rhabdomyolysis: The above condition can further lead to the breakdown of the muscle tissue.

So, if you experience any/all of the symptoms one by one, there is a high possibility that you are suffering from malignant hyperthermia. In such a case, you must immediately consult a cancer specialist.

How to Treat Malignant Hyperthermia?

If you notice any of the symptoms of malignant hyperthermia mentioned above, you must immediately initiate its treatment. Here are some of the apparent measures for malignant hyperthermia treatment:

• Immediate Discontinuation of Triggering Agents: The first step is to stop administering the triggering anaesthetic medications.
• Muscle Relaxant Injection: Most physicians administer a postsynaptic muscle relaxant injection called Dantrolene Sodium as the first aid against this disorder. This primary treatment helps to control muscle contractions and bring down body temperature.
• Supportive Care: Other measures include cooling the body, managing electrolyte imbalances, and addressing complications.

These are some effective treatment techniques against malignant hyperthermia.

How to Prevent Malignant Hyperthermia?

Despite its severity, this condition can be easily prevented upon early detection of symptoms. Here are some ways to prevent malignant hyperthermia:

• Complete Information of Medical History: If you have a family history of MH, you must inform your healthcare providers and surgeon before any operation since this can be a genetic disorder.
• Preoperative Screening: Advanced screening techniques, such as genetic testing and muscle biopsy, can now help assess susceptibility to MH.
• Alternative Anesthesia: If you are at a high risk of malignant hyperthermia, your surgeon may administer an alternative anaesthesia technique that does not trigger MH symptoms.

Key Points to Remember

MH is a rare but severe condition.

Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.

Individuals with MH family history should take precautions and inform their healthcare providers.

With proper management, individuals with MH can safely undergo surgery and other medical procedures.

It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for further information and personalised guidance regarding malignant hyperthermia.

Besides, there is one essential thing that you must be prepared with, to be able to bear the costs of medical treatment for hyperthermia— Cancer insurance.

>>Read More: How Dangerous is Cervical Cancer? Everything You Need to Know

Never Ignore the Need for Coverage Against Cancer!

It is always a wise decision ideal to prearrange adequate health coverage for major critical diseases such as cancer. The best way to do so is to buy the Care Cancer Mediclaim Plan, which guarantees comprehensive coverage of defined cancer. It provides coverage for all types of cancers, except a few that are caused due to genetic factors. Without a second thought, you should get yourself and your family covered for cancer today itself and live a life free of the stress of unanticipated medical costs.

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.