The pathology of thermoregulation: hyperthermia and hypothermia

Abstract

The pathology of thermoregulation includes hyperthermia, hypothermia, and poikilothermia. Hyperthermia occurs when the body’s core temperature rises above the normal regulatory range, resulting from an imbalance of heat production exceeding heat loss. This condition arises due to the weakening of the autonomic response to heat or as a result of exposure to elevated environmental temperatures. As an example, central hyperthermia occurs when the preoptic area of the hypothalamus gets damaged. The brain is particularly affected by high temperature, causing severe heatstroke. Hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 35℃, resulting from a condition in which heat loss exceeds heat production. This is caused by a decrease in the autonomic response to cold or exposure to cold environments, among other factors. The response to cold disappears when the core temperature markedly decreases. Poikilothermia is a condition in which the core temperature changes by 2℃ or more in response to environmental temperature changes, resulting in marked hypothermia due to disturbances in the posterior hypothalamic or brainstem functions. Abnormal body temperature is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment, including the restoration of normal temperature while monitoring vital signs.