Overheating
Stimulants increase your body temperature. Additionally, more physical activity also raises your body temperature. If this happens in an environment that is already warm, where you cannot dissipate heat effectively, it can become dangerous.
Because your body loses heat through sweating, this risk mainly occurs in warm and humid environments. If the air is very humid (muggy or clammy), the cooling effect of sweat is reduced. This can cause your body to overheat. Additionally, you lose a lot of body heat through your head. Avoid wearing a hat or cap when it’s warm so that heat can escape.
Some drugs, especially those that cause a significant release of serotonin, can lead to mild overheating with “normal” use.
Symptoms of mild overheating (hyperthermia):
- Headache
- Confusion
- Stiff muscles
- Dizziness
In this case, seek a cool place and consider wetting your head, neck, and face with water. If you then blow air over these well-vascularized areas of your body with a fan (or ask a friend to do so), you can quickly cool down to a more comfortable temperature.
Symptoms of more severe overheating (hyperthermia):
- Shivering Rapid heartbeat
- Pale appearance
- Reduced consciousness
- Nausea Vomiting
When experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to seek help from a first aid post or other healthcare provider. If the body temperature rises to 40-41 degrees Celsius, the situation is life-threatening. It’s important to quickly move to a cooler place.
Very severe symptoms:
- Breakdown of muscle tissue
- Blood clotting throughout the body
- Impaired functioning of kidneys and liver
- Epileptic seizures
Call 112 immediately if you notice or experience these symptoms.
