Head feels hot. Understanding Thermoregulation Issues After Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
How does a concussion affect body temperature regulation. What are the common symptoms of thermoregulation problems after head injury. Why do some people feel hot or cold after concussion. How to manage temperature dysregulation following traumatic brain injury.
The Intricate Process of Body Temperature Regulation
Thermoregulation is a crucial homeostatic process that maintains the body’s temperature within a narrow range, typically around 98.6°F (37°C). This delicate balance is essential for optimal bodily functions, including enzyme activity, cellular processes, and organ performance.
The human body employs several mechanisms to regulate temperature:
- Sweating for cooling through evaporation
- Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis for heat generation
- Vasodilation and vasoconstriction to direct blood flow
- Behavioral adaptations like adjusting clothing or environment
These processes are primarily controlled by the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), working in tandem to maintain thermal equilibrium.
Concussion’s Impact on Temperature Regulation
A concussion, even without loss of consciousness, can disrupt the body’s thermoregulatory systems. This disruption stems from the injury’s effects on key areas involved in temperature control:
- Hypothalamus dysfunction
- Autonomic nervous system dysregulation
- Neurovascular coupling disturbances
- Hormonal imbalances
These alterations can lead to a range of temperature-related symptoms that may persist long after the initial injury.
Common Thermoregulation Symptoms Post-Concussion
Individuals who have experienced a concussion may encounter various temperature-related issues:
- Feeling unusually cold or hot
- Experiencing chills or sweating episodes
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
Is it normal to experience temperature sensitivity after a concussion? While not everyone experiences these symptoms, they are indeed common and can be a significant part of post-concussion syndrome.
The Science Behind Post-Concussion Temperature Dysregulation
The disruption of thermoregulation following a concussion is rooted in complex neurological processes:
- Hypothalamic dysfunction: The brain’s thermostat may be incorrectly set, leading to inappropriate temperature responses.
- ANS dysregulation: Impaired autonomic function can affect sweat production, blood vessel dilation, and other temperature control mechanisms.
- Neurovascular coupling issues: Altered blood flow to brain regions can impact temperature perception and regulation.
- Hormonal changes: Concussions may affect the production of hormones that influence metabolism and temperature control.
How long can temperature regulation issues persist after a concussion? The duration varies among individuals, but with proper treatment, many experience improvement within weeks to months.
Diagnosing Temperature-Related Symptoms Post-Concussion
Identifying temperature dysregulation as a post-concussion symptom requires a comprehensive approach:
- Detailed medical history and symptom tracking
- Physical examination
- Neurological assessment
- Advanced imaging techniques (e.g., fMRI, SPECT scans)
- Autonomic function tests
Healthcare providers may use these methods to differentiate concussion-related temperature issues from other conditions affecting thermoregulation.
Treatment Strategies for Post-Concussion Temperature Regulation
Managing temperature dysregulation after a concussion often involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Cognitive rehabilitation exercises
- Autonomic nervous system retraining
- Medications to address specific symptoms
- Lifestyle modifications
- Environmental adjustments
Can post-concussion temperature regulation improve with treatment? Many patients experience significant improvement with targeted therapies addressing the underlying neurological disruptions.
Cognitive Rehabilitation and ANS Retraining
Specialized exercises designed to restore normal brain function and autonomic balance can help alleviate temperature regulation issues. These may include:
- Biofeedback training
- Vestibular therapy
- Cognitive exercises targeting affected brain regions
- Breathing techniques to modulate ANS function
Medication and Supplementation
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hormonal treatments to address imbalances
- Supplements to support neurological health
Are there specific medications that can help with post-concussion temperature dysregulation? While no single medication universally treats this symptom, various options may be prescribed based on individual needs and underlying causes.
Lifestyle Adaptations for Managing Temperature Sensitivity
Individuals experiencing temperature regulation issues post-concussion can implement several strategies to improve comfort and function:
- Dressing in layers to easily adjust to temperature fluctuations
- Using cooling or heating aids as needed
- Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature
- Staying hydrated to support proper thermoregulation
- Avoiding extreme temperature environments when possible
How can patients effectively communicate their temperature-related symptoms to healthcare providers? Keeping a detailed symptom diary, noting triggers, and describing the specific nature of temperature sensations can greatly assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
The Role of Neurovascular Coupling in Temperature Regulation
Neurovascular coupling, the relationship between neuronal activity and blood flow in the brain, plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. Post-concussion disruptions to this process can contribute to temperature-related symptoms:
- Altered blood flow patterns in the brain
- Impaired nutrient and oxygen delivery to neurons
- Dysfunction in brain regions responsible for temperature perception and control
Understanding and addressing neurovascular coupling issues is often key to resolving post-concussion temperature dysregulation.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
Emerging technologies are enhancing our ability to assess neurovascular coupling and its impact on temperature regulation:
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
- Advanced MRI techniques
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
These methods provide valuable insights into brain function and blood flow, guiding more targeted treatment approaches.
The Psychological Impact of Temperature Dysregulation
Experiencing unpredictable temperature sensations can have significant psychological effects on concussion patients:
- Increased anxiety about symptom occurrence
- Social isolation due to symptom unpredictability
- Frustration with ongoing temperature sensitivity
- Impact on daily activities and quality of life
How can patients cope with the emotional challenges of post-concussion temperature dysregulation? Seeking support through therapy, support groups, and education about the condition can be beneficial in managing the psychological impact.
Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies
Implementing cognitive-behavioral techniques can help patients manage the psychological aspects of temperature dysregulation:
- Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and anxiety
- Cognitive restructuring to address negative thought patterns
- Relaxation techniques to manage physiological responses
- Gradual exposure to triggering situations
Research Frontiers in Post-Concussion Thermoregulation
Ongoing research is expanding our understanding of post-concussion temperature dysregulation and potential treatments:
- Investigation of biomarkers for autonomic dysfunction
- Development of targeted neuroplasticity interventions
- Exploration of neuromodulation techniques
- Studies on the long-term impact of temperature regulation issues
What promising new treatments are on the horizon for post-concussion temperature dysregulation? While research is ongoing, emerging therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation show potential in addressing autonomic dysfunction and improving temperature regulation.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
The future of managing post-concussion temperature issues lies in personalized medicine:
- Genetic profiling to predict susceptibility and guide treatment
- Tailored rehabilitation programs based on individual symptom patterns
- Integration of wearable technology for real-time symptom monitoring
These advancements promise more effective, targeted interventions for those experiencing temperature dysregulation after concussion.
Preventing Temperature Regulation Issues in Future Concussions
While not all concussions can be prevented, steps can be taken to reduce the risk and severity of temperature-related symptoms:
- Proper use of protective equipment in sports and high-risk activities
- Implementation of concussion protocols in schools and sports organizations
- Education on the importance of immediate and proper concussion management
- Research into protective technologies and treatments
Can early intervention reduce the likelihood of developing temperature regulation problems after a concussion? Prompt recognition and appropriate management of concussions may indeed help mitigate the risk of developing persistent symptoms, including temperature dysregulation.
The Importance of Rest and Gradual Return to Activity
Proper post-concussion care is crucial in preventing long-term complications:
- Adequate cognitive and physical rest immediately following injury
- Gradual, monitored return to normal activities
- Avoidance of situations that may exacerbate symptoms
- Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
This approach allows the brain time to heal and may reduce the risk of developing persistent temperature regulation issues.
Feeling Cold, Hot, or Fevered After a Head Injury
If you’ve experienced a concussion or traumatic brain injury, you may already know that a bewildering array of symptoms can occur days, months, and even years after the injury.
Concussions can cause body temperature regulation problems such as chills, shivering, sweating, hot flashes, and altered core temperature that come and go — and seemingly defy logic.
These symptoms can be elusive and sometimes alarming, but they’re very real. Contrary to popular concussion myths, you don’t have to experience loss of consciousness at the time of injury to experience serious symptoms.
Fortunately, most of these symptoms resolve or noticeably lessen with successful concussion treatment. In the meantime, during your recovery, you can also take steps to feel better.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Every concussion is unique, but 95% of our patients show statistically verified restoration of brain function by the end of their first week. Our specialty is helping patients recover from persistent and “unusual” head injury symptoms. To discuss your specific injury and symptoms, schedule a free consultation with our team of experts.
An Overview of How Thermoregulation Works in Your Body
In your body, thermoregulation or temperature regulation is what’s known as a homeostatic process, meaning your body does everything it can to maintain temperature as close as possible to a healthy baseline: Around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
Normal, healthy body temperatures actually range from about 97-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and depend on individual factors like metabolism and hormones. Going outside of that range isn’t optimal for long-term health and is usually a sign of underlying problems.
Your body regulates temperature very strictly because:
- A body temperature that’s too low can slow down the activity of enzymes, cells, and organs, making essential processes like digestion, metabolism, and cognition inefficient.
- A body temperature that’s too high speeds up activity and can damage cells in the brain and other organs.
Some common causes of temperature regulation problems that aren’t traumatic brain injuries include:
- An environment that’s too cold or too hot.
- Infection leading to fever.
- Overheating due to exercise.
- Raynaud’s syndrome (a disorder that causes vasoconstriction in extremities, resulting in cold hands or feet).
- Some prescription medications.
Fortunately, your body has multiple fail safes in place to help your body temperature stay within the safe range.
For example:
- Sweating cools your body off through evaporation.
- Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis (heat generation) allow your muscles to generate heat to warm you up.
- The expansion (vasodilation) and contraction (vasoconstriction) of blood vessels allow your body to selectively heat or cool specific areas by directing blood flow.
- Your perception of comfort influences behaviors that help regulate temperature, such as adding or removing clothes, changing the ambient temperature, or moving to a warmer or cooler area.
In a healthy person, these mechanisms work together like checks and balances to keep body temperature where it ought to be.
This entire process is controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and by your autonomic nervous system (ANS). There are feedback loops going both ways. In other words, the hypothalamus and ANS constantly “talk to” one another with signals about temperature.
You can visualize how your body’s thermoregulation system works with this graphic:
Finally, secondary processes in your body can also influence temperature, including your diet, individual metabolism, and hormones such as thyroid hormones, cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone. These processes aren’t the main drivers of thermoregulation but still have an affect on your temperature.
Why Concussions Can Affect Thermoregulation
Briefly stated, concussions can interfere with your body’s thermoregulation process because they can affect nearly all of the systems described in the previous section, including your hypothalamus, autonomic nervous system (ANS), and hormone levels.
Many people, even severe head injury survivors, don’t realize that concussions can result in system-wide symptoms and health problems. The root causes of many lasting concussion symptoms are a disruption in neurovascular coupling, which is the relationship between neurons and the blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and other nutrients, and alterations in the function of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia).
Here’s a brief synopsis of the specific mechanisms by which concussions affect thermoregulation:
- Your hypothalamus functions similarly to a thermostat to regulate your temperature. When you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI), that thermostat can be set wrong, resulting in too high or too low body temperature in response to your environment.
- Your body may detect temperature problems (even if there aren’t any) and attempt to “fight” the faulty temperature setting with sweating or shivering.
- Following a concussion, people often experience hormonal imbalances that cause temperature alterations and other symptoms.
- Other thermoregulation problems stem from other concussion-related changes. For instance, if you experience an elevated resting heart rate caused by a brain injury, the increased blood flow could also raise your body temperature and make you feel warmer.
- Concussions can also affect your perception of temperature. If that happens, your core temperature will remain normal, but you’ll feel uncomfortably hot or cold.
Note that these temperature changes don’t have to be throughout your entire body. For example, some patients notice unusual flushing and warmth in their faces with physical activity, cognitive exertion, or stress.
These and other symptoms can come and go mysteriously or follow strange-seeming trends, even after a mild traumatic brain injury. If your healthcare provider dismisses your symptoms or insists there’s no link between concussion and body temperature problems, they’re misinformed.
Patients who are struggling with lingering concussion symptoms do best with support and a treatment plan that’s designed to address their individual needs. You can learn more about what to look for in a concussion care provider here.
In the following sections, we dive more into specific head injury-related symptoms of fever, feeling hot, and feeling cold.
Yes, Head Injuries Can Cause Fever: Here’s What to Do about It
Yes, head injuries can cause fever. The name for this phenomenon is neurogenic fever, because the fever isn’t caused by infection but instead has a neurological basis.
Research suggests that between 4-37% of TBI survivors experience neurogenic fever.
The majority of the time, fever caused by head trauma is an acute or short-term symptom. Potential concussion-related causes of fever include inflammation or a faulty immune response due to the concussion (that is, your immune system might mistakenly respond as though you have an infection, even though you don’t).
Neurogenic fever is associated with worse outcomes following a concussion. In some cases it’s life threatening and can also result in permanent brain damage. If you’ve recently had a concussion and are experiencing a fever of 103 or higher, please visit the emergency room or seek professional help immediately.
Aside from an acute fever response that follows a concussion, most post-concussion temperature regulation issues are uncomfortable but aren’t emergencies.
But if you’re experiencing a fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should still treat it as a medically significant event, even if your concussion wasn’t recent.
It’s not possible for us to diagnose the cause of a fever or provide medical advice remotely, and it’s best to be on the safe side during the coronavirus pandemic. That means consulting a physician and taking any necessary precautions until you know the cause of the fever.
Sweating, High Body Temperature, or Hot Flashes after a Concussion
Even if you don’t have a fever, you can still experience issues like waking up drenched in sweat or feeling “hot flashes” that come and go. Or, you might experience localized flushing and redness in certain parts of your body but not others. These symptoms can emerge anywhere from days to months after a brain injury.
Your symptoms may be accompanied by body temperature elevations, or your body temperature might be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or even on the low side.
Either way, you’re not imagining things, and these are absolutely symptoms that could come from a brain injury.
Most often, they occur because your hypothalamus isn’t processing signals from your autonomic nervous system correctly, or because its homeostatic set point is too high (like a faulty thermostat).
While dysfunction in the hypothalamus and ANS are the most common culprits, hormonal changes resulting from a concussion are another potential culprit, especially in women. Sometimes after a concussion, women experience a full range of menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes, that can be misinterpreted as “early menopause.” In one study, for example, 46% of women with TBI experienced amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) for up to 60 months.
Until you get treatment for post-concussion syndrome, you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. We recommend using a fan to direct a cool breeze at yourself, opening a window to let in fresh air, turning down the thermostat, changing your outfit or removing layers, or drinking cool water.
Feeling Cold after a Head Injury
Low body temperature, chills, and related symptoms may not be as disruptive or concerning compared to other post-concussion symptoms (such as changes to your blood pressure or heart rate), but they’re still uncomfortable and can lower your quality of life.
Shivering is evidence that your body’s trying to warm up, either because it’s cold or because it perceives that it’s cold. You might notice localized blue, purple, or unusually white skin in areas that feel cold, like your hands or toes. One cause could be inappropriate vasoconstriction, especially if your hands and feet are cold. For example, if you have Reynaud’s syndrome, it can develop or get worse after concussion. Usually this is a result of miscommunications between the hypothalamus and autonomic nervous system.
Concussions can also lower body temperature by altering your hormone levels or disrupting your metabolic function. As an example, if a brain injury interferes with your thyroid function, your core temperature may decrease.
It’s also possible to feel cold or experience chills or shivering with a normal body temperature after a head injury. This symptom results from a concussion-induced disruption in your brain’s ability to correctly perceive temperature.
Note: It is concerning if your body temperature drops below 96.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Seek immediate medical attention if it drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below, as this constitutes hypothermia.
When you experience these symptoms, you can and should take steps to be as comfortable as possible. Here are some of the most effective recommendations if you’re experiencing chills or shivering:
- Wear thick winter socks, warm comfy clothes, and extra layers as needed.
- Don a hat and gloves to retain heat while you’re outside.
- Turn up the heat.
- Drink a mug of tea.
- Eat hot soup.
Sometimes patients are unsure whether their shivering might actually be seizure or vice-versa. Research suggests somewhere between 10-20% of people may experience seizures following TBI, and untreated seizures require immediate medical attention.
Unlike shivering, seizures are usually accompanied by other signs like stiffening, lack of responsiveness, unusual movements and gestures, a lack of physical control, dizziness, or an inability to communicate. If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing shivering or seizures, seek medical attention to be on the safe side.
General Advice for Coping with Post-concussion Body Temperature Regulation Issues
If you’re experiencing post-concussion symptoms, including body temperature problems or other issues, that’s a clear indication that your brain function is still affected by your injury. In this case, getting the right treatment is the biggest step you can take to start feeling better. You may need a combination of treatment for the head injury, treatment for an endocrinologist for hormone regulation issues, and assistance from a psychologist for emotional symptoms.
Along with treatment, you can also take some steps on your own to manage symptoms of a concussion. Regardless of which type of thermoregulation issues you experience — those related to low body temperature, high body temperature, or both — here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind on your road to recovery.
Do: Exercise, because exercise increases blood flow throughout your body and brain.
Enhancing circulation through your body is excellent for cold-related symptoms, but increasing brain blood flow can also help heat-related and subjective symptoms (and most other post-concussion symptoms) by circulating oxygen-rich blood into brain tissue that’s underserved by vasculature due to head trauma.
Do: Discover which behavioral changes work for you.
As human beings, our ability to change our immediate surroundings is essential for thermoregulation. Experiment with as many different strategies as possible to get comfortable (climate control, a fan, hot or cold beverages, layering up or down, etc.) and stick with what works.
Do: Document and track your symptoms.
Writing down or logging your symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider notice patterns and trends. You can also ask your family members if they have noticed behavioral changes since your injury. They may have insights into your symptoms that you don’t.
Don’t: Overcompensate with extremes.
The prospect of a very cold shower might sound tempting if you’re burning up, but extreme temperatures often cause a rebound effect. A chilling shower signals to your body that you need to warm up, exacerbating symptoms of feeling hot afterwards. The same is true of taking a scalding hot bath if you’re feeling cold. Use gentle approaches only to avoid worsening your symptoms.
Don’t: Ignore or minimize symptoms.
All concussion-related symptoms are significant and should be heeded and discussed with a professional. Our body temperature is strongly linked to survival systems, emotional systems, and behavioral systems, so temperature-related symptoms are important, even if some say it’s “just annoying” or “not that serious. ”
While achieving relief from symptoms isn’t the same as healing after a concussion, it’s still important for your wellbeing. When you feel better, you’re better able to do the things you love and you’ll feel less stressed, both of which can help you recover and boost your mental health.
Getting Treatment for a Brain Injury
People who have had TBIs can experience a range of bizarre, seemingly unrelated symptoms that persist for months or years.
If you’re experiencing these issues, you deserve to feel better. Managing symptoms day to day is fine, but long term, you’ll benefit immensely by addressing the underlying cause to recover from your brain injury.
At CognitiveFX, treatment begins with a diagnostic functional neurocognitive imaging (fNCI) scan to measure cerebral blood flow in over 60 brain regions. This shows us which areas likely suffered impairment of normal brain function.
From there, we provide individualized treatment targeted to the unique needs of each patient. Our cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approach includes neuromuscular therapy, cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, sensorimotor therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and more. You can read more about how our treatment methods work here.
Will treatment for post-concussion syndrome reverse all your symptoms? Perhaps. It’s more likely you’ll experience rapid resolution of some symptoms and a longer recovery process for others. Each patient is unique, and some issues take longer to improve than others, which is illustrated by the patient stories we publish on our blog.
We help post-concussion patients recover from persistent symptoms every week. 95% of our patients show statistically verified restoration of brain function. To discuss your specific injury and symptoms, schedule a free consultation with our team.
If You’re Hot All The Time, It Could Mean You Have One Of These 11 Disorders
Do you always feel overheated when everyone else feels fine? Are you constantly throwing open windows or demanding A/C? Has it gotten to the point where you often think, Wow, why do I get hot so easily?” If so, it might be a sign that you’re dealing with an underlying health condition that features sweating as a side effect.
Symptoms like hot flashes and excessive perspiration may point to an infection, a change in hormones, or even a systemic disease, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical correspondent at Certain Dri, a clinical strength antiperspirant brand. That’s why it’s worth it to get checked out, especially if you don’t feel well in other ways. If you start to feel hot all the time, or it interferes with your daily life, Dr. Garshick recommends letting your doctor know.
That said, feeling hot isn’t always a big deal. Once you know a medical condition isn’t to blame, you can make a point to regulate your body temperature by following a few quick tips to ensure you’re more comfortable. For starters, Dr. Garshick recommends sleeping in a cool environment. You can also avoid wearing clothes that tend to trap heat, like polyester, and opt for linen or cotton instead.
Drinking enough water is also key, especially since dehydration will only make you feel worse. “The rule of thumb is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces per day, plus more during exercise, elevated summer temperatures, and in times of illness,” says naturopathic physician Tricia Pingel, NMD. With these tips in mind, read on below for a list of health conditions that may explain why you feel hot all the time.
1
Hyperhidrosis
FreshSplash/E+/Getty Images
If you can’t seem to keep your armpits dry, no matter how much antiperspirant you apply, it might be due to a condition called hyperhidrosis. Typically, hyperhidrosis causes extra sweat to form around the armpits, face, and palms regardless of how hot it is. “But rare cases of hyperhidrosis can occur all over the body,” Dr. Garshick says.
Your skin is covered in sweat glands that respond to signals in your brain that command the release of sweat. As it evaporates off the skin it cools you down. With hyperhyrdrosis, those signals go haywire and become overly active. If you sweat pretty much all the time and to an excessive degree, Dr. Garshick recommends asking your dermatologist about treatment options.
2
Anhidrosis
On the flip side there’s anhidrosis, a condition that makes it difficult to sweat properly. And since sweating helps your body cool down, if you can’t sweat your body overheats, says Dr. Annie Gonzalez, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology. “Possible causes of anhidrosis include but are not limited to damage to sweat glands from surgery, nerve damage caused by diabetes, or skin damage from radiation therapy or burns,” she tells Bustle. Besides not sweating, other symptoms include dryness of the skin, flushing, muscles cramps, and lightheadedness.
3
Anxiety
While we often think of anxiety as an emotion, it has a very real physiological component, says clinical psychologist Josh Klapow, PhD, tells Bustle. Anxiety can cause all sorts of unpleasant physical sensations, including a feeling of heat running through your body. You might also sweat when you’re nervous or having a panic attack.
When anxiety strikes, your heart will pound, your blood pressure will increase, and your muscles will tense up. As Klapow says, “You can absolutely feel hot, be hot, and sweat as a result. You’ll always want to rule out other medical causes for feeling hot, but anxiety is absolutely one possibility.”
4
Stress
Stress can cause a similar side effects. “From the moment you feel emotionally stressed your body goes through a series of hormonal changes that create physical reactions,” Dr. Sherry Ross, M.D., an OB/GYN and women’s health expert, tells Bustle. “Adrenaline, known as the ‘fight and flight’ hormone causes an increased heart and breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure.” And that can certainly make you sweat.
5
Seasonal Allergies
mladenbalinovac/E+/Getty Images
If you tend to feel hot but have no fever — as in your temperature isn’t raised but you still feel warm or flushed — seasonal allergies might be to blame. “Allergies do not cause a fever but high levels of histamine in response to allergens dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the skin, making you feel warm,” licensed physician Dr. Leann Poston, M.D., MBA, MEd tells Bustle.
You might even start to sweat, Dr. Poston says, due to flushing — aka, that annoying sensation where it feels like your cheeks are getting hot and red. Ask your doctor about allergy medication and see if that helps.
6
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid can make you feel hot.
As Dr. Sapna Shah, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist, tells Bustle, “People often compare the thyroid gland to the body’s equivalent of a thermostat. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate your body temperature through internal metabolic processes.”
If your thyroid function is compromised, possibly due to a disorder like hyperthyroidism, it’ll be hard for the body to maintain a stable temperature. In the case of an overactive thyroid, “you might experience symptoms that feel like the body is speeding up — for instance restlessness or a fast heartbeat,” Dr. Shah says. “Excessive sweating when you’re not exerting yourself may also be a sign of hyperthyroidism.”
The only way to know for sure is by taking a trip to your doctor. “If you’re worried about excessive sweating or other symptoms, consider testing your thyroid,” she says. It’s important to check since untreated thyroid disease can put you at risk for more severe problems like cardiovascular disease down the road.
7
Hypoglycemia
Hot flashes can strike if your blood sugar levels are out of whack, which may happen on a regular basis if you have hypoglycemia. It’s a condition that often goes hand-in-hand with diabetes, but could be a sign of other health concerns.
If you have hypoglycemia you might start to feel shaky, irritated, and tingly throughout your body. If it gets worse, you might even start to experience blurred vision or start to sweat. “This occurs when your blood glucose gets too low, which makes your body battle to keep up to pace,” Dr. David Greuner, M.D., FACS, a double board-certified surgeon, tells Bustle. “This produces a surplus of adrenaline and results in excessive sweating.”
8
Epstein-Barre Virus
A fever isn’t an illness all on its own but a symptom of an illness. Usually, it’s a side effect of a virus and it will go away in a few days. If you’re sick with the flu, for example, you can expect to have a high fever right along with other symptoms, like a cough and sore throat, as your immune system works to fight it off. “Your body naturally raises its body temperature in order to kick the white blood cells into gear and beat whatever is causing the fever,” Dr. Greuner says.
That said, ongoing fevers may be a sign of another type of infection like the Epstein-Barre Virus (EBV), better known as the virus that causes mononucleosis. It’s a common virus that can make you feel rundown and feverish for weeks — and sometimes even months on end. Other symptoms of EBV include fatigue, swollen glands in the neck, and lack of appetite.
9
Menopause
Menopause is considered the natural end of the menstrual cycle. It occurs due to the depletion of follicles in the ovary, says board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Nwegbo-Banks, M.D. “This is diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle,” she tells Bustle. Usually, it happens in your 50s.
As the ovarian follicles deplete, the amount of estrogen drops in the body. “This then affects the thermoregulatory centers in the brain,” Dr. Nwegbo-Banks says. “What this means is minor changes in temperature cause mechanisms to cool the body, including intense sweating or hot flashes.” It’s why you might feel hot for seemingly no reason.
10
Perimenopause
Hot flashes related to menopause can kick in about four years before your final menstrual period, Dr. Nwegbo-Banks says. So even if you’re too young for menopause, it’s possible to experience perimenopause, or the early onset of menopause.
“The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, includes various physiologic changes that include hormone fluctuations,” Dr. Nwegbo-Banks sayas. “This leads to hot flashes and night sweats along with other changes — menstrual irregularities, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness.” On average, she says this transition starts around 47. But in rarer cases it is possible for some people to experience menopause symptoms as early as 35.
11
Various Cancers
Ever wake up sweaty in the middle of the night? If you sleep in a hot room, wear heavy pajamas, or tend to get tangled up in warm blankets, that might explain why. But if you have actual night sweats, it could point to something more serious.
“It is first important to differentiate night sweats, hot flashes, and excessive sweating in general,” Dr. Kristine Arthur, M.D., an internist, tells Bustle. “Night sweats are specifically at night and are drenching, usually to the point where a person would need to get up and change their clothes.”
“The most worrisome reasons for night sweats are infections and cancer,” Dr. Arthur says. “Examples include lymphoma, leukemia, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), endocarditis (heart infection), or HIV.” Don’t jump to conclusions, of course, but it will be worth it to let your doctor know if you always wake up drenched.
Studies referenced:
Bansal, R., & Aggarwal, N. (2019). Menopausal hot flashes: A concise review. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 10(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_7_19
Dunmire, S. K., Hogquist, K. A., & Balfour, H. H. (2015). Infectious Mononucleosis. Current topics in microbiology and immunology, 390(Pt 1), 211–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22822-8_9
Sources:
Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Tricia Pingel, NMD, naturopathic physician
Dr. Annie Gonzalez, M.D.,board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Josh Klapow, clinical psychologist
Sherry Ross, M.D., OB/GYN
David Greuner, M.D., FACS, double board-certified surgeon
Dr. Sapna Shah, M.D., board-certified endocrinologist
Leann Poston, M.D., MBA, MEd, licensed physician
Dr. Nwegbo-Banks, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN
Kristine Arthur, M.D., internist
Exercise-Related Heat Exhaustion | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Heat-related illness can affect you as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. This article is about heat exhaustion caused by hard exercise or work in a hot environment.
What is exercise-related heat exhaustion?
Exercise-related heat exhaustion is an illness caused by getting too hot when you exercise. During heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises above normal.
Your brain usually keeps your body temperature within a degree or two of 98.6°F (37°C). This temperature control is important because many processes in your body only work well within a certain range of temperatures.
Your body has several ways to lower your body temperature when it gets too high. Your body can cool itself by sweating. When sweat evaporates, it lowers your temperature. Your body can also lower the temperature by sending more blood to your skin and to your arms, legs, and head. This lets more heat can escape. If your body cannot get rid of the extra heat, your body temperature will rise. In heat exhaustion, your body temperature may rise to 101°F (38.3°C) to 104°F (40°C). This can make you feel weak and dizzy. Your heart may not be able to pump enough blood. This can make you collapse.
Heat exhaustion is less serious than heat stroke, another heat-related illness. But heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if it is not treated. In heat stroke, your body temperature rises even higher. This stops basic processes in your body. This can cause serious problems, including death.
Unfortunately, heat exhaustion is common. In the U.S., exercise-related heat exhaustion is a common problem in athletes, especially football players. It is also common in military recruits in basic training.
What causes exercise-related heat exhaustion?
Exercise-related heat exhaustion happens when your body can no longer get rid of the extra heat made during exercise, and your body temperature rises more than is healthy. Not drinking enough fluids during exercise can also cause dehydration. Together, these things can make you collapse.
Exercising outdoors on a hot day can cause heat exhaustion. But humidity also plays a large role. In high humidity, your body can’t use sweat to cool itself. This robs your body of one of the most important ways of getting rid of extra heat.
Many other things can make it harder for your body to get rid of extra heat. These include:
Being in poor physical shape
Having an infection
Being dehydrated
Using alcohol before exercising
Being obese
Not being used to a hot environment
Taking certain medicines such as stimulants, antihistamines, and medicines for epilepsy
Having certain medical conditions, like sickle cell disease or conditions that decrease sweat
Having a chronic illness
Adults over the age of 65 and young children also have a higher risk for heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. This is because their bodies cannot cool down as easily as those of older children and younger adults.
Who is at risk for heat exhaustion?
These groups may be more likely to get heat exhaustion when exercising in hot, humid conditions:
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
The main symptom of heat exhaustion is a body temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) to 104°F (40°C). Some symptoms may be warning signs that heat exhaustion is about to happen. Symptoms may vary depending on the how serious the heat exhaustion is. Signs and symptoms may include:
Rapid heartbeat
Fast breathing
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Fainting
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Headache
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Mild, temporary confusion
Low blood pressure
Dehydration
Problems coordinating movement
Unlike heat stroke, heat exhaustion does not cause significant brain or thinking problems, such as delirium, agitation, unconsciousness, or coma.
How is heat exhaustion diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your health history. This includes your recent symptoms and your past health conditions. You will also need a medical exam. This exam may give your provider other clues about whether you have heat exhaustion. In some cases, the provider might need to rule out other causes of high temperature, like an infection or a response to a medicine.
Heat exhaustion does not cause health complications, like damage to organs or brain or thinking problems. If you have these problems, you may have another heat-related illness like heat stroke. In some cases, your provider may run tests to check for these complications. These tests might include:
Blood tests to look at electrolytes and check for infection
Drug panels to check for a medicine-related cause of high temperature
Blood and urine tests to see how well your kidneys and liver are working
Chest X-ray to check your lungs
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm
A healthcare provider trained in emergency care usually diagnoses heat exhaustion. This might take place on the athletic field or at a hospital.
How is heat exhaustion treated?
You may be first treated at the place where you collapsed, such as an athletic field. These are common ways of treating heat exhaustion:
Stopping the activity and moving to a cooler area
Raising your legs to a level above your head
Taking off any extra clothing and equipment
Cool off until your temperature goes down. Oral thermometers and other ways to measure temperature are not accurate. Emergency medical personnel may measure temperature rectally. Until emergency medical personnel arrive, you should cool off until you shiver. This might involve soaking in cool water, spraying yourself with water, or sitting in front of a fan.
Drink water or a sports drink if you can drink, are not confused, and are not nauseated. If you are being treated at a hospital, the staff may give you IV (intravenous) fluids.
Monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and mental status.
Many people will get better within an hour or two of treatment. If you do not get better quickly, go to the emergency room. There you will be checked for more serious problems.
What are the complications of heat exhaustion?
On its own, heat exhaustion does not usually cause complications. If you have severe dehydration along with heat exhaustion, you may have problems like kidney damage or low blood pressure.
If not treated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a condition in which your body temperature rises even higher. This can lead to serious problems such as:
What can I do to prevent heat exhaustion?
You can take steps to help prevent heat exhaustion:
If you exercise in hot, humid environments, take breaks often. Try to exercise in the early morning or late evening when it is generally cooler than the middle of the day.
Stay inside when the temperature is very high. If you must go outside, wear a hat, use sunscreen (spf 15 or higher), and take frequent breaks to drink water.
Get plenty of fluids while you exercise.
Wear lightweight, loose clothing.
Stop exercising or get yourself out of the hot environment at the first warning signs of heat-related illness.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Seek medical attention right away if you have more serious symptoms from a heat-related illness, like a seizure or delirium.
Someone should get medical help for you right away if they suspect you have heat exhaustion. Take steps to keep cool until medical help gets there.
Key points about exercise-related heat exhaustion
Exercise-related heat exhaustion is an illness caused by getting too hot while exercising.
During heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises above normal.
Heat exhaustion is less serious than other heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke. But it can progress to heat stroke.
Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and sweating more than normal.
Treatment for heat exhaustion involves lowering your body temperature and getting more fluids.
Strange sensations in your head since the COVID-19 pandemic: Should You Be Concerned?
The COVID-19 pandemic created a panic among many of us. Of course, nobody is absolutely safe from contracting the virus. Although we often associate the disease with symptoms affecting the lungs, another symptom is reportedly headaches. This is why now more than ever, it’s understandable to be concerned if your head has suddenly started to experience ‘strange’ feelings and pain.
In this blog post, your specialist for pain management in Aventura shares the possible causes of the pain in your head. More importantly, we’ll discuss whether your symptoms should be a cause for concern.
What Are the Most Common Odd Head Sensations?
When we talk about strange sensations in the head, each of us might refer to different experiences. Often, people describe the sensation as ‘strange’ because it’s not exactly painful or comparable to the typical types of headaches that most of us are familiar with.
Among the weird head sensations might experience include:
- Head pressure as though you’re underwater
- Feeling like your head is in a clamp
- Your head feels heavy
- There’s a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation
- Wave sensation
- Feeling like your head is full of cotton wool
- Your head feels “spacey” or “puffy”
If you feel any of these or anything similar, know that you are not alone. Many people also complain and wonder about these strange sensations. Now, what could they mean and when is it time for you to be alarmed?
Because we are surrounded by COVID-19 24/7 in the media, it is natural to think that your symptoms may be related to that. However, before jumping to conclusions, you should first consider that your symptoms may in fact be the result of other unrelated conditions, which we will now outline below:
Pressure-Related Head Sensations and Pains
Many patients who seek pain management in Pembroke Pines and complain about headaches report that their symptoms include feelings of head pressure and tightness. The severity and duration of these sensations vary from one person to another. Furthermore, some patients feel pressure all over their head while to others, it is restricted to certain parts such as the temples, forehead, or either side of the head.
The causes of head pressure can vary based on where it is felt:
- Entire head – Tension headache, head injury, or concussion
- Either side of the head – Migraine, a dental problem, or ear problem
- Forehead – Tension headache or sinus headache
- Top of head – Tension headache
- Neck or back of the head – Tension headache, a dental problem, head injury, or concussion
- Eyes or eyebrows – Sinus headache
- Cheeks or jaw – Tension headache, sinus headache, or a dental problem
- Temples or ears – Tension headache, sinus headache, a dental problem, or ear problem
What are the Most Common Causes of Pressure in the Head?
Head pressure has various potential causes, but the most common stem from tension and sinus headaches.
- Tension headaches – Pain resulting from tension headaches is often mild to moderate. This type of headache gives you a feeling that an invisible band is squeezing your head in. It is also the most common type of headache, affecting over 40 percent of people worldwide. It is related to stress, poor posture, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Sinus headaches – If you feel pressure in your jaw, nose, ears, cheeks, and forehead, it’s highly likely that you have a sinus headache. This is caused by inflamed sinuses due to colds, allergies, and sinusitis (sinus infection). It is often accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the condition causing it. For instance, you may also have a fever if it is caused by the flu.
- Ear problems – If you experience dull yet constant pressure in your ears, temples, jaws, or either side of the head, you might have an ear problem. This can be as simple as earwax blockages or as serious as a ruptured eardrum.
- Migraines – These are among the most common reasons why patients come in for pain management in Hollywood because they tend to recur. Migraines also bring with them a host of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Migraine headaches can also be so severe to the point of being disabling. Unfortunately, the exact cause of migraines is not yet full understood.
- Head injuries or concussion – Did you recently get into a situation or accident that made your head bounce, shake, or twist? If so, it’s possible that your headache is due to head trauma or a concussion. It’s crucial that you get immediate attention if you think you might have a head injury caused by a sudden impact or whiplash. If you were involved in a car accident, for instance, it is recommended you visit an auto injury clinic as soon as possible.
Other Conditions to Watch Out For
The conditions listed above are among the most common causes of pressure in the head, but there are also other problems to look out for. These include:
- Hunger and dehydration
- Fatigue
- Medication side effects
- Muscle strain in the neck
- Infections
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stroke or ministroke
- Brain aneurysm
- Brain tumor
Indeed, some of these are serious conditions, but there’s no need to panic. The first thing you should do is consult the right specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms and order tests before giving a diagnosis and recommending treatment.
Head related pain? Get Reliable Pain Management at Pain Care Specialists of Florida
If you are experiencing strange sensations in your head and you’re unsure where they’re coming from, it’s best that you see a pain management doctor. Pain Care Specialists of Florida’s Dr. Escobar offers over 15 years of pain management experience and expertise. Providing professional interventional pain management at 3 convenient locations
Dr. Escobar will work hard at determining and treating the source of your symptoms and pain.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation with our doctor at any of our three locations.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Headaches (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
What Are Headaches?
A headache is pain felt somewhere in the head or neck.They’re very common in kids, and have a wide range of causes and many levels of severity.
It’s important to understand how to recognize when a headache is a passing pain and when it’s something more and needs medical care.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Headache?
Two common kinds of headaches that kids get are tension headaches and migraines.
Tension headaches happen when stressed-out head or neck muscles squeeze too hard. This causes pain often described as:
- feeling as though someone is pressing or squeezing on the front, back, or both sides of the head
- dull
- aching
- constant
Migraine headaches are less common. They can cause:
- pounding, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- dizziness
- stomachaches
- nausea and/or vomiting
- seeing spots or halos (called an aura)
Most migraines last from 30 minutes to several hours. Some can last as long as a couple of days. They can feel worse when someone is doing physical activity or is around light, smells, or loud sounds.
Young kids with headaches may not be able to say what hurts. Parents may notice that they are cranky and less active. They may throw up, or look pale or flushed.
What Causes Headaches?
Headaches are thought to be caused by changes in chemicals, nerves, or blood vessels in the area. These changes send pain messages to the brain and bring on a headache.
Most headaches are related to:
- infections (such as ear infections, viruses like the flu or a cold, strep throat, meningitis, or sinus infections)
- having a head injury
- some medicines (headaches can be a side effect)
- too little sleep or sudden changes in sleep patterns
- becoming dehydrated
- being under a lot of stress
- allergies (hay fever)
- menstruation or changes in hormone levels
- skipping meals
- using the computer or watching TV for a long time
- vision problems
- taking a long trip in a car or bus
- listening to really loud music
- smoking
- smelling strong odors such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or a new car or carpet
- too much caffeine (in energy drinks, soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate)
- some foods (such as alcohol, cheese, nuts, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty or fried food, lunchmeats and hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, and MSG)
Who Gets Headaches?
Headaches are common in kids and teens. Headaches (especially migraines) often run in families. So if a parent, grandparent, or other family member gets them, there’s a chance that a child may get them too. Some kids are more sensitive to headache triggers than other kids.
How Are Headaches Diagnosed?
Your doctor will do an exam and get your child’s
medical historyto help see what might be causing the headaches. The doctor will ask about:
- how severe the headaches are and how often they happen
- when the headaches first started
- what the headaches feel like, and where they hurt
- whether the headaches have a pattern or change over time
- any other symptoms
- any recent injuries
- anything that triggers the headaches
- your child’s diet, habits, sleeping patterns, and what seems to help the headaches or make them worse
- any stress your child has
- any past medical problems
- any medicines your child takes
- any allergies
- any family history of headaches
To help pin down the problem, doctors often ask parents — and older kids and teens — to keep a headache diary. In the diary, list:
- all headaches
- when they happen
- how long they last
- a few notes about what might have brought them on
The doctor will do a complete neurological exam. This can involve looking in the eyes, testing nerves, and having your child do things like walk or touch his or her nose. To look for medical problems that might be causing headaches, the doctor may order:
- blood tests
- imaging tests, such as a CAT scan or MRI of the brain
How Are Headaches Treated?
Treatment for headaches depends on what the doctor thinks is the likely cause. But you can care for most everyday headaches at home.
To help ease the pain, have your child:
- Lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room.
- Put a cool, moist cloth across the forehead or eyes.
- Relax.
- Breathe easily and deeply.
Make sure your child has had something to eat and drink. Kids with migraines often just want to sleep and may feel better when they wake up. A big part of treating migraines is avoiding the triggers that can cause them. That’s where a headache diary can be helpful.
You also can give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Read the label to make sure that you give the right dose at the right time. If you have any questions about how much to give, check with the doctor. And if your child is under age 2 or has other medical problems, call your doctor before giving any pain reliever. Your doctor can tell you whether you should give it and, if so, how much (based on weight and age).
Never give aspirin to kids or teens unless the doctor advises you to. Aspirin can cause Reye syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
If your child gets migraine headaches often, the doctor may prescribe a medicine to take when they start or daily to try to prevent them.
Discuss pain management with your doctor. This might include trying things that don’t involve medicine, such as:
- relaxation exercises
- stress-reduction techniques
- avoiding triggers
What Else Should I Know?
When your child has a splitting headache, it’s easy to worry. But headaches rarely are a symptom of something serious.
Call the doctor if your child’s headaches:
- are happening a lot more than usual
- don’t go away easily
- are very painful
- happen mostly in the morning (when your child wakes up, especially if the headache wakes up your child)
Also note whether other symptoms happen with the headaches. This can help the doctor find what might be causing them. Call the doctor if your child has a headache and:
- seems less alert than usual
- is vomiting
- got the headache after a head injury or loss of consciousness
- seizures
- visual changes
- tingling sensations
- weakness
- clumsiness
- skin rash
- trouble walking or standing
- trouble speaking
- neck pain or stiffness
- fever or other signs of infection
- a change in personality
- is drinking or peeing a lot
- can’t go to school or do everyday routines and activities
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats (gets too hot) and can’t cool itself down. Your body can overheat during exercise or any physical activity, especially in hot, humid weather.
During physical activity, your body loses fluids through sweat. If you don’t replace those fluids by drinking water or other liquids, you can become dehydrated. Dehydration can also put you at risk for heat exhaustion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and others. Treatment includes removal from the heat, rest and fluids. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which can be a life-threatening condition.
How common is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion and other types of heat illness (hyperthermia) are more common than you might think. Heat exhaustion from exercise happens more often on hot, humid days. Risk factors of heat exhaustion include:
- Age: Older people and young children have a higher chance of getting heat exhaustion. People over 65 and children under four can’t regulate their body temperature as easily. They are also more likely to get dehydrated (your body doesn’t get enough fluids).
- Alcohol use: Dehydration can result from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Dehydration increases the risk of heat exhaustion. Alcohol also makes it difficult for you to control your body temperature.
- Lifestyle: Physical activity in a hot, humid environment puts you at a higher risk of heat illness. The risk increases if you wear heavy clothing or equipment. People who aren’t used to working in hot conditions have a higher chance of heat exhaustion.
- Medications: Side effects of some prescription drugs include vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, which can lead to heat exhaustion. Diuretics (water pills) to treat heart failure reduce the amount of fluid in your body and can cause dehydration. Chemotherapy drugs (to treat cancer) and beta blockers (to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate) can also increase the risk of heat illness.
- Weight and general health: People who carry extra weight have a higher chance of heat exhaustion. Obesity and certain health conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) increase the risk.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop slowly or appear suddenly. Before heat exhaustion symptoms appear, you may develop a red rash (heat rash) or heat cramps. These painful muscle cramps can affect any muscle, but they usually happen in the arms or legs.
Heat exhaustion symptoms may include:
- Dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision and headache.
- Fever, usually over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperature is 98 F.
- Fatigue, weakness or fainting (syncope).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Rapid, shallow breaths.
- Severe or excessive sweating and cold, clammy (damp) skin.
- Swollen ankles or swelling in the feet and hands (heat edema).
- Weak, fast heartbeat and low blood pressure when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension).
What causes heat exhaustion?
Usually, your sweat cools your skin and acts like an air conditioner for your entire body. When you’re active (especially in hot weather), your body works hard to regulate its core temperature. Heat exhaustion happens when your body temperature rises too high and your body can’t cool itself down.
During physical activity, your body loses fluids and electrolytes through sweat. Electrolytes are minerals (such as sodium and potassium) that help your body work the way it should. If your body loses too much fluid and sodium (salt) and you don’t replace them, you become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion.
Diagnosis and Tests
How do healthcare providers diagnose heat exhaustion?
Usually, healthcare providers diagnose heat exhaustion with a physical examination. Your provider will examine you, take your temperature and ask about your recent activity. If your provider thinks you may have heatstroke, they may order blood and urine tests.
Management and Treatment
What do I do if I think I have heat exhaustion?
If you or someone you know has signs of heat exhaustion, it’s important to take action right away. You should:
- Cool down: Get to a cool place as soon as you can. Find a shady spot, take a cool shower or sit in an air-conditioned building. You can also wet a washcloth with cold water and place it on your forehead or the back of your neck.
- Drink: Take small sips of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Drink water for about an hour, but don’t drink too much too quickly. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Rest: Stop doing all physical activity. Sit or lie down so your body can rest.
- Seek help if you need it: If symptoms don’t get better after about an hour of rest and fluids, call your healthcare provider. If symptoms worsen, call 911 or go to the Emergency Room.
Prevention
Can I prevent heat exhaustion?
To prevent heat exhaustion, you should:
- Avoid overheating: If you’re exercising or doing physical activity in hot weather, wear loose, breathable clothing. Take frequent breaks in the shade or another cool spot. When you’re outside on a sunny day, wear a hat with a brim to protect yourself from the sun.
- Drink fluids: Stay hydrated by taking sips of water or a sports drink every 30 minutes or so. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. You can lower your chance of heat exhaustion by making sure your body has the fluid it needs.
- Know your risk: If you take diuretics or other medications that can lead to dehydration, talk to your provider about taking extra precautions in the heat. If you’ve had heat illness before, you’re more likely to develop heat exhaustion.
- Stay safe in vehicles: The temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly. Never let kids (or pets) play or wait in a parked car. Even if you leave the windows open, sitting in a car on a warm day can be deadly.
- Time your activities: On hot days, it’s a good idea to exercise early in the morning or late in the day, when temperatures are lower.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the outlook for people with heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion symptoms usually go away after drinking fluids and resting in a cool place. It’s essential to get to a cool place and replace fluids as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.
Untreated, heatstroke can result from heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is a serious, life-threatening condition. It can cause brain damage, organ failure and death.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider about heat exhaustion?
If you or your child has signs of heat exhaustion that don’t get better after about an hour of fluids and rest, you need immediate medical care.
Get help right away if you or someone you know:
- Cannot drink water or keep fluids down.
- Develops a fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Has trouble speaking, standing up or walking.
- Is sweating heavily.
- Seems confused or loses consciousness.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Heat exhaustion is a serious type of heat illness. Untreated, it can lead to severe health problems and death. If you or your child has signs of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to rest in a cool place and drink plenty of water. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms don’t get better after about an hour. To prevent heat exhaustion, stay hydrated, especially if you’re exercising in hot weather. Listen to your body if you feel thirsty or weak, and take breaks to let your body rest.
Baby’s Body or Head Feels Hot but No Fever?
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Being a parent is sometimes a scary and worrying role. We worry about falls, cuts, bumps, unexplained temperatures, and generally that we will miss something that would result in our children coming to harm.
It can be stressful. As a mom of five children, I have experienced almost all the childhood worries and concerns, and then some! So when your baby feels hot but has no fever, what should you do?
Let me put your mind at rest. Babies can sometimes feel hot but have no real increase in their actual body temperature.
Just like adults, this could be for many different reasons and you should eliminate the more obvious ones before thinking that there is something more serious wrong.
These different reasons can be managed in a variety of ways and will help your baby feel more comfortable and help them to cool down naturally.
What To Do?
First of all, do not panic. I know that this is easier said than done and that you now have millions of worse case scenarios running through your head, STOP!
Firstly, take your baby’s actual temperature using a reliable thermometer. A baby’s normal body temperature is between 97.9 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
When your baby gets overheated, they become more susceptible to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. Remember that your baby’s hands and feet will always be a little cooler than their head is.
As we said above there are many different reasons why your baby may feel hot but not have a temperature and most of them are simple to rectify. So here are a few things to check first:
Factors To Consider
Babies can sometimes feel hot but have a completely normal temperature as a result of these factors:
Too Much Clothing
Check to see if your baby is wearing too much clothing. If they have come in from being outside and are wearing lots of layers, this may be the cause of them feeling hot.
Remove any extra layers and give your baby around 15 to 20 minutes and then check to see if they have cooled down.
Teething
Teething can cause many problems such as gum pain and fussiness when the new teeth break through the gums. It can also cause their body temperature to rise but it will not cause a fever.
If you think your baby is suffering from teething symptoms, there are powders and gels that you can use to relieve some of them.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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Hot Weather
A sudden rise in the outside temperature can cause some babies to feel hot on their head and body. Again, this is very normal and is the same as it would be for an adult who gets hot when the temperature rises.
The best way to keep your baby cool would be to make sure that they are in the shade with plenty of airflow around them.
Also, make sure that your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather, with lightweight materials that allow your baby’s skin to breathe such as cotton or linen.
Baby’s Cotton Linen Romper
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Room Is Too Hot
There are a few reasons why the room may be too hot. It could be due to the weather and an increase in the outside temperature. If this is the case, air conditioning may be a good option.
If this is not available, ensure that your baby is appropriately dressed for the weather and that the room is well ventilated. If the room is too hot because the weather is cold outside and you have been heating the house artificially, then you may need to check the temperature settings for your baby’s room.
While you are waiting for the room to cool down, it may be an idea to move your baby to a cooler part of the house. The best way to ensure that your baby’s room is at the correct temperature is to invest in a room thermometer.
Govee Temperature Humidity Monitor
- High Accuracy Measure: Govee temperature humidity monitor accesses temperature accurately within deviation of ±0.54℉ and ±3% RH with build-in Swiss High Accurate Sensor(Sensirion). Precise sensor offers reliable data.
- 328Ft Wide Bluetooth Thermometer: Detecting range is up to 328 feet without obstructions. You can put the Bluetooth thermometer at any corner of house. Notifications will be pushed to your phone if temp or humidity is beyond preset range.
- Two Display Methods: Govee digital indoor hygrometer thermometer is designed with mini but clear LCD screen. You can check the current hygrometer thermometer on LCD display, or you can get current and historic data via APP.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Getting Over-excited
Your baby has a great big world to explore and sometimes all this exploring gets them a little over-excited. They may be moving around a lot and this can all lead to this hot head and body issue.
This happens because moving around a lot increases blood circulation to the head. The best way to combat this is to try to get your baby to calm down. Hum their favorite tune or try to coax them to sleep. This will cool down his body plus give him a little nap.
Can Babies Regulate Their Temperature
It will be a little while before your baby’s fantastic body can adapt to outside temperature changes as we adults do.
Actually, it is not until your baby is around 18 months to 2 years that they really learn how to regulate their own body temperature naturally and they are still far more susceptible to temperature changes than adults.
The reason behind this wait is due to the fact that the process of learning to regulate your body temperature or thermogenesis takes place in your brain.
The part of the brain responsible for this process called the hypothalamus doesn’t really begin to function for a few months after birth. Then add to this that babies’ skin is thin and that they have very little fatty tissue and you can see why they struggle with temperature regulation.
Only My Babies Head Is Warm?
Babies lose most of their heat through their heads so it is quite normal for their head to feel warmer than the rest of their body. Ensure that their head is not covered with a hat or other covering.
This will allow the excess heat to escape and allow your baby to cool down naturally. If you still have any concerns or your baby is not cooling down then contact a medical professional.
When To See A Doctor
You should take your baby to a doctor if any of the following things happen:
- Your baby is distressed or seems anxious even after you have cooled him down.
- They appear to be in discomfort or pain.
- Your baby seems to be dehydrated despite them having enough fluids. If they experience vomiting, diarrhea as well for me it would be a definite warning sign that needs to be addressed immediately.
Every baby has their own normal body temperature and sometimes the hot head and body can just be a result of their thermoregulation system developing.
However, you should always air on the side of caution by checking their temperature and watching for any worrying signs or symptoms.
Sometimes, as a parent, you just know that something is not right with your baby. Do not let people make you think that you are being a paranoid parent.
If you have that feeling in your stomach that something is not right, then go and get it checked out. The worst that could happen is that your beautiful baby is absolutely perfect and there is nothing wrong with them!
Final Thought
Being a parent is hard. You worry about every little thing even when it turns out to be nothing. After all, that is our job, isn’t it?
Our children are the most precious thing that we will ever be entrusted with and we will do anything to ensure their health and well being is taken care of.
Babies are tricky little things to care for especially as a new parent. Their bodies are not fully developed as our adult ones are and this can lead to some little blips as it reaches its full maturity.
Trust your instincts and seek the help and advice that you need in order to do this successfully!
Emma Davies
Hi, I’m Emma and I’m a mother to 5 beautiful children aged from 1 to 21 years old- life is hectic! I have learned so much along the way, not only from my own children but also through my professional life. In my positions as a Childminder and Teaching Assistant, I have studied Child Development and The Early Years Developing Practice. I wish to share all of this knowledge and help you with your own parenting journey!
Mortog Hothead – NPC
Comment from
Warriv
According to the latest patch notes (2.1.0):
“Mortog Steamhead standing outside of the Coilfang dungeons will repair armor and weapons as well as sell various items to those exalted with the Cenarion Expedition. ”
“Mortog will trade players Cenarion healing and mana salves for Coilfang Armaments. These potions only work inside the Coilfang dungeon and raid zones.”
Comment from
Septyryx
Far as I can tell, you need to be Exalted with Cenarion Expedition for access to his wares.
He sells mana and healing potions for Coilfang Armaments (https://tbc.wowhead.com/?item=24368).
Comment by
trinket
I can confirm you need exalted.
I can’t buy anything off revered with him.
Comment from
31177
Shame you have to be so well respected for his help.
Comment from
Thottbot
He says he does repairs & sells reagents to allies of CE. I am revered with CE and he does nothing for me.what do I need to do to get him to repair / sell to me?
Comment from
Thottbot
According to the patch notes, you need to be Exalted.
Comment from
Thottbot
If you wipe at a heroic run or in a SSC run it’s practical that you don’t have to run / swim all the way back to the nearest camp to repair.
Also when you are summoned to a group / raid you are able to fill up reagents if you are running low.
Comment on
Thottbot
No.it’s so that those raiding SSC can get repairs and reagents. Even if only 2 raiders are exhaulted, the rest can hearth / portal and those 2 can summon them back. This basically removes the need for repair bots. The vendors outside TK and CoT serve the exact same purpose. He also sells “free” mana pots. Finally something blizzard got right 🙂
Comment by
Thottbot
when you hit exalted with CE you can repair and buy reagents and stuff at this guy. You can also buy pots at him 1 coilfang armement and you get 3 healing or mana pots
Comment from
Allakhazam
Per the 2.1 Patch notes:
“Mortog Steamhead standing outside of the Coilfang dungeons will repair armor and weapons as well as sell various items to those exalted with the Cenarion Expedition.”
Comment by
Allakhazam
How much rep does one need to get this guy to talk to him? Is it something other than rep?
Comment by
Allakhazam
Revered with CE and he wont do business with me?
Schedule of reception of citizens – Mayor – City authorities – Official site of the city of Odessa
Trukhanov Gennady Leonidovich
Odessa City Mayor
Schedule of personal reception of citizens | Day / time of admission |
---|---|
Trukhanov Gennady Leonidovich | 2nd Tuesday of the month 15:00 – 17:00 |
Personal reception of citizens is carried out in the reception of the department for appeals of citizens of the Odessa City Council at the address: pl.Dumskaya, 1. Information on the organization and conduct of personal reception of citizens can be obtained by phone: 779-14-65.
The procedure for making an appointment for a personal appointment
Based on the relevant orders of the Odessa mayor, preliminary registration for a personal reception of citizens by the mayor and deputies is mandatory.
The application must contain the following information:
- Whom do you want to make an appointment with.
- Your name, address and, preferably, a contact phone number.
- A brief summary of the essence of the issue requiring a personal meeting with the mayor or deputy mayor.
- Date of writing the application and your signature.
Application You can:
- Send by mail to the address: pl. Dumskaya, 1, Odessa, 65026.
- Bring it in person and put it in the mailbox of the Department for Citizens’ Appeals of the Odessa City Council, located at the address: pl.Dumskaya, 1, near the entrance to the department.
- Hand over in person to the Department of Citizens’ Appeals of the Odessa City Council.
Applications from citizens are accepted daily according to the schedule. Applications with appropriate additions are accepted from citizens in the presence of their personal passport or an authorized person, if these powers are issued in accordance with the current legislation (it is necessary to have the originals of the power of attorney and the passport of the authorized person, photocopies of these documents must be attached to the application).
Also, all questions related to the registration for a personal reception of citizens by the mayor and his deputies can be asked by calling the mayor’s helplines: (048) 728-17-01 and 705-55-55.
Information on the organization and conduct of personal reception of citizens can be obtained by phone: (048) 779-14-65.
Written requests
In accordance with the Law of Ukraine dated 02.02.2015 No. 577-VIII “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine” On the Appeal of Citizens “, written appeals to the city administration must be provided in accordance with the requirements of Art.5, namely:
- sent by mail to the address: 65026, Odessa, pl. Dumskaya, 1;
- to transfer personally or through a person authorized by him to the Department for Citizens’ Appeals at the established time for receiving documents;
- send using the Internet, electronic communications (written electronic request).
Electronic appeals addressed to the mayor or his deputies, please send to:
In order to avoid abuse by third parties or fraud, it is recommended to submit documents of permissive and conciliation nature to the Administrative Services Center.
Oral appeals
Oral appeals are presented using telephone means through the hotline – the helpline of the Odessa mayor and the Unified Citizens Appeal Center
– https://1535.odessa.ua/ 15 – 35 (048) 705-55-55 hot line – helpline of the Odessa mayor
Heat stroke in a child. Prevention of overheating in children
Heatstroke is a painful condition (overheating of the body) resulting from exposure to high temperatures for a long time.Heatstroke affects not only sick people and the elderly, but also children, especially babies under one year old. This is due to the imperfection of their thermoregulation system. The situation is aggravated by the high humidity of the environment, overwork and violation of the drinking regime (lack of water in hot weather). In children, the lack of fluid is reflected more strongly, since their body contains more water than the body of an adult.
Causes of heatstroke in children
Due to the fact that the development of heatstroke is influenced not only by the external environment (high temperature), but also by the violation of physiological processes in the body (dehydration), this condition is more severe than, for example, a normal increase in temperature, and the lethality reaches 30%.Due to dehydration of the body and disturbance of many metabolic processes, toxic substances accumulate in it, and “poisoning” of vital organs (brain, kidneys, heart) occurs.
Any factor that leads to impaired perspiration or moisture evaporation from the skin can be the cause of overheating of the child:
– long stay in a stuffy, humid room with a high temperature;
– finding a child in a crib, which is located close to a battery or stove; wrapping in a warm blanket or out of season clothing;
– sunstroke may occur if you are exposed to the sun for a long time with your head uncovered.
Symptoms of heat and sunstroke in children
Symptoms and first aid measures are the same for heat and sunstroke, but sun exposure may cause red spots and blisters on the skin (burns). Whereas for heatstroke to occur, it is not necessary to be under scorching rays. Heatstroke in children can be mild, moderate, or severe in severity.
1. With a slight heat stroke, weakness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate and respiration are observed.
2. The average severity of heatstroke is manifested by a decrease in motor activity, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, unsteady and unsteady gait, deafness and fainting, rapid pulse and breathing, as well as an increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees.
3. Severe heatstroke develops suddenly. The face first turns red, then sharply turns pale, consciousness can be impaired up to a coma. Convulsions, hallucinations, delirium are observed. The temperature rises to 41-42 degrees.In children under the age of one year, overheating of the body can occur with an increase in temperature up to 40 degrees, excitement, followed by severe weakness, cold sweat, yawning, belching, nausea, indigestion and diarrhea. Twitching of the muscles of the limbs and face may also be observed. Facial features are sharpened, the general condition deteriorates sharply.
First aid for overheating of a child
If any signs of heatstroke occur, it is urgent to move the child to a more comfortable environment (shade or cool room).It is necessary to unfasten the embarrassing clothing, undress the child to the waist and lay with the raised head end. You can wrap your body in a cold sheet and put a cool compress on your forehead. In order to bring the child to consciousness, you need to give him a sniff of a cotton swab dipped in ammonia. If there are signs of heat or sunstroke in a child, you need to call an ambulance. If a severe heat stroke has developed, the child does not come to his senses from ammonia, and the pulse cannot be felt, he needs to start doing artificial respiration and chest compressions, without waiting for the ambulance to arrive.Before the arrival of an ambulance, you should always wipe the child with cool water and plow. And also drink often.
Prevention of heatstroke in children
Taking into account the peculiarities of the child’s body, it is necessary to avoid prolonged exposure to heat on the child’s body.
Measures to prevent overheating in children are:
-In the hot season, it is recommended to walk until 11 o’clock in the afternoon and after sunset, in the “lace” shade. From 12 noon to 4 pm, you shouldn’t play outside in the sun at all.
-Clothes of the child should be made of natural fabrics, light and loose. It is advisable to wear a panama hat or a summer hat on your head.
-With you for a walk, you should definitely take a bottle of water and give your child more water. In the heat, the amount of liquid consumed by the baby should increase by 1.5-2 times, especially during active games. It is possible to determine whether the baby is drinking enough by the amount of urine that is separated. The child should go to the toilet at least 4 times a day, and the urine should be light.If it is concentrated, with a smell, then the child should be given more water.
-The presence of fatty and fried foods is undesirable in the diet, preferably fresh vegetables, fruits, boiled and steamed food.
Particular attention should be paid to the conditions in which newborns and children under one year old are, in order to avoid overheating:
-The bed should not be near the battery or stove.
-Do not overly wrap and dress the child.
-The room should be regularly ventilated.
-In the hot season it is worth using the air conditioner. The fact that it is harmful to children is a myth; if you install it directly above the crib and turn it on during sleep, the cold air currents will not have any harmful effect on the baby. Worse, if a small child is constantly experiencing discomfort, he develops prickly heat and the temperature rises.
Parents need to remember that they need to protect their child not only from cold, but also from excessive heat, otherwise heatstroke cannot be avoided!
Written appeal to the acting Kharkiv mayor, secretary of the city council, Terekhov Igor Alexandrovich
Dear Kharkiv citizens!
To the acting Kharkiv mayor, the secretary of the city council, Terekhov Igor Alexandrovich, you can contact with comments, complaints, suggestions, statements or petitions in writing, as well as with an oral appeal at his personal reception or telephone hotline “And” Internet hotline “(district hotline).
The written request must indicate the surname, name, patronymic, place of residence, the essence of the issue raised, comments, suggestions, statements or complaints, requests or demands.
The written request must be signed by the applicant (s) with the date indicated.
The electronic application must also indicate the e-mail address to which a response can be sent to the applicant, or information about other ways of contacting him. The use of an electronic digital signature when sending an electronic appeal is not required.
An appeal, drawn up without observing these requirements, will be returned to you with appropriate explanations no later than ten days from the date of its receipt.
The appeal can be individual or collective.
The appeal can be sent by mail, transferred personally or through an authorized person, if these powers are issued in accordance with the current legislation, to the department for citizens’ appeals of the Office of Records Management of the Kharkiv City Council at the address: 61200, St.Kharkiv, pl. Constitution, 7, first floor, information office or room number 2. Phones for inquiries: 760-73-39, 760-73-49.
In accordance with the Law of Ukraine dated July 2, 2015 No. 577-VIII “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine” On Citizens’ Appeals “regarding electronic appeals and electronic petitions”, a written appeal can be sent using the Internet, electronic communications (electronic appeal) to the email address: zvernennya_grom @ city.kharkov.ua
Legal entities can also apply to the acting Kharkiv mayor, the secretary of the city council, Igor Terekhov.
Letters from legal entities should preferably be placed on official letterheads. The letter must have the required details: name of the institution that sent the document, postal address, e-mail address, phone numbers, date, document registration index, text, signature. It is advisable to indicate the name and telephone number of the performer of the letter.
Incorrectly executed (no signature), damaged or misdirected documents (addressed to other institutions) are returned to the sender without consideration.
Legal entities can transfer an appeal to the acting authority of the Kharkiv mayor, the secretary of the city council, Terekhov Igor Aleksandrovich, to the department for legal entities of the Office of Records Management at the address:
61200, Kharkiv, pl. Constitution, 7, first floor, room number 6.Phones for inquiries: 760-73-69, 760-75-93.
In the event that a citizen, an authorized person of a citizen or a legal entity has a copy of the letter, at their request, a mark is put on the acceptance of the application.
Working hours of the departments for citizens’ appeals and legal entities appeals of the Office of Records Management: daily, except weekends and holidays, from 8.00 to 17.00 (break – from 12.00 to 12.45), on Friday – until 12.45.
Sample
The child’s head is hot, but there is no fever: is it worth sounding the alarm
When a child appears in the family, young parents have much more reasons for worry.After returning home from the hospital, they have to carry out all the care activities on their own. The first bathing, the first feeding, and the first steps are not far off. And the most unpleasant thing that can happen is various diseases. Parents are very worried about any signs of fever in the baby. For example, if a child’s head is hot, but there is no fever, what does this mean?
A common problem
In fact, almost every mother turns to the local pediatrician with this question.After all, everyone knows that a high temperature can be fatal, since the tiny body of a baby is still incapable of self-regulation. Overheating in a matter of hours can lead to serious consequences or even death of the child. Feeling that the baby’s head is warmer than usual, mothers begin to measure body temperature. At the same time, normal thermometer readings usually do not calm. Parents continue to look for an answer why the child has a hot head, but no temperature.
A little bit of physiology
Everyone knows that a hot head indicates that the baby has a fever.But you need to take into account that the child was just born. Before birth, he lived in different conditions, in an aquatic environment, and the mother’s body maintained a temperature of 38 degrees for him. After birth, he found himself in a completely new environment, where his mother is a source of warmth and nourishment. What are we doing at this moment? We wrap the baby in diapers, then in a blanket and apply to the chest. The tiny body has no room for cooling. And the process of thermoregulation has not yet been formed at all.As a result, one should not be surprised that the child has a hot head and no fever. Therefore, there is no reason to worry too much, but on occasion, show the child to the pediatrician. Let him once again make sure that the baby is healthy.
Improper care
We have already said this, but let’s come back again, because this is the key point. In the maternity ward, doctors pay a lot of attention to keeping the baby warm. They dress him, cover him with a blanket and forbid his mother to open him once again.At this point, such a measure is justified, since the body has not yet adapted to drastic changes.
But the young mother accepts this behavior as the norm. As a result, and after discharge continues to warmly dress the baby. He is still constantly in a lying position and is not able to control the degree of his comfort himself. Only by shouting can he tell that something is bothering him. But if the baby is hot, he usually sleeps more. Therefore, to prevent overheating, you need to pay attention to the air temperature in the room and outside.Typically, pediatricians recommend dressing your baby as yourself, plus one layer of clothing. That is, if you are comfortable in home trousers and a T-shirt, then the child can lie in a cotton suit, covered with a flannel diaper.
Problems of thermoregulation
In infants, thermoregulation is carried out due to the processes of oxidation in the brown tissue of the fat layer. This process can hardly be called perfect. Later, the work of the thyroid gland allows the formation of the amount of energy that is necessary for proper heat transfer.
There is another mechanism. If the baby begins to freeze, the baby’s muscles involuntarily contract. Due to this, the body temperature rises. Therefore, if the child’s head is hot, but there is no temperature, you must first of all adjust the amount of clothes that he is wearing and the temperature in the room.
Heat transfer processes are very different in an adult and a child. Our fever is accompanied by active sweating. In a newborn, this process is still completely undeveloped, therefore, at elevated temperatures, the vessels of the skin expand, which enhances heat transfer.
In addition to the fact that parents periodically panic about the fact that the child’s head is hot and there is no temperature, they may encounter increased indicators after taking measurements. An acceptable temperature in infants is considered to be from 36.4 to 37.2 degrees. Moreover, for a newborn baby, 37.5 is a normal temperature, and you should not panic about this.
What should alert
Experienced mothers know that sometimes the child’s forehead becomes hot, and after a while it returns to normal.The reason for the hot head may be that the baby is overly active. He is crying, horny, or busy with his toys. In this case, the mother should take the baby in her arms and walk around the house a little with him. Distract his attention with a calm song.
If the child is a month old, and you notice for several days in a row that he has a hot head, then it is imperative to show the baby to the doctor. In addition to colds, there are a number of other problems that can stimulate a local increase in temperature.Children’s organism is unique and sometimes unpredictable. In any case, you should be alerted by increased sweating and hair loss, insomnia, anxiety and excitability of the crumbs.
What to do
First, forget about panic. Every mother tends to think about the worst, even when objectively everything is in order with her baby. If the child is a month old or less, this situation indicates that he is hot. The baby needs to be opened and provided with air flow to the body.
Ventilate the newborn’s area regularly.The recommended temperature should not exceed 23 degrees. Make sure your clothes are made only from natural and breathable fabrics. Spend as much time outside as possible with your child in the summer. You can ask grandmothers how to dress a baby, they have a good experience. But it is not recommended to be in the open sun for a long time, so as not to cause overheating of the child.
But once again I would like to emphasize that there is no reason for panic. Monitor your baby’s temperature at all times and measure it regularly.If the head remains hot for a long time, then you need to seek help from a doctor. But the temperature of a certain area of the skin can be an individual feature. This is usually not a sign of illness. Therefore, it is better to think about how to dress the baby correctly.
Why a child has a cold forehead
Considering why a child has a hot head, this question cannot be ignored. Young parents are frightened if they find that the baby has a completely cold forehead, sometimes with perspiration, and the back of the head is hot.This phenomenon can have a number of reasons.
- Hypothermia. Check for a draft in the room. This is especially true if the child has already begun to crawl.
- SARS is another reason. Most often, beads of sweat appear on the forehead.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Poisoning. In this case, nausea and vomiting are added.
- Development of rickets.
Reasons for the development of rickets
A hot head in a child without fever can be one of the main symptoms of the development of this ailment.Therefore, if the baby wakes up every night because his pillow is wet with sweat, and you clearly feel the warmth emanating from the forehead, then you should definitely consult with your doctor. The consequences of rickets can be very serious, especially if it is not corrected in time. As the disease progresses, the bones of the skull become thinner, there is a delay in the eruption of the first teeth. The child’s ribs become covered with tubercles, hair begins to fall out, and bald patches appear. In the later stages, the curvature of the lower limbs occurs, and growth and development are slowed down.
That is, a hot head in an infant may be a variant of the norm or indicate the development of a serious illness. Therefore, in any case, it does not hurt to consult a specialist.
Hydrocephalus
This is another condition that can be suspected in the presence of such a symptom. If the child’s head is hot, and the body is normal, this may indicate the development of neurological diseases. Usually, a neuropathologist notices signs of hydrocephalus even at the first examination and prescribes further examination and correction.
What are the reasons for suspecting dropsy of the brain or hydrocephalus? The following symptoms should alert you:
- hot head and increased sweating;
- enlargement of venous vessels in size;
- tilting the head back;
- frequent and profuse regurgitation and vomiting;
- Frequent unreasonable crying and grabbing the head with hands;
- Shape, excessive throbbing or sinking of fontanelle;
- Muscle tone disorder.
Hydrocephalus is a very serious condition that requires immediate correction. If you have even minimal suspicions or you observe similar symptoms, then you need to immediately notify the local pediatrician. Timely therapy allows you to completely heal hydrocephalus and the baby will grow up healthy. Otherwise, the disease can lead to the development of abnormalities in the mental state of the baby.
Instead of a conclusion
The mechanism of thermoregulation in babies is still far from perfect.So don’t panic if your baby is hotter or cooler than you. Pay attention to the air temperature and humidity in the room. Doctors recommend taking another series of measurements of the baby’s temperature over several hours. After that, it will already be possible to draw a conclusion.
Famous pediatricians recommend that parents bathe their child more often. This normalizes blood circulation and hardens the baby. Be sure to massage regularly. And it is not always necessary to invite a professional massage therapist for this.