Investigating of the Effects of Heat on the Human Body

Abstract

This article presents an analytical-descriptive research study conducted using a library-based method. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of elevated human body temperature and changes in the body caused by thermal exchange. The human body is designed to maintain a stable temperature under normal conditions. However, variations in standards such as age, nutrition, gender, physical activities, diseases, internal interactions, metabolic processes, and others can lead to changes in body temperature. These changes are referred to as rectal temperature, which ranges from approximately 33.3°C to 40°C. When the body is exposed to cold air, its temperature may drop below 36.7°C. If the rate of heat production in the body exceeds the rate of heat consumption, heat accumulates, resulting in an elevated body temperature. Conversely, when heat loss surpasses heat production, body temperature decreases. The body’s temperature is a result of the balance between the thermal energy produced and the thermal energy dissipated. If the body temperature drops below a certain threshold, frostbite occurs, typically affecting the earlobes, fingers, and toes. On the other hand, if the body temperature rises above the normal range, heatstroke ensues. Heatstroke generally occurs when the body temperature exceeds 40°C, indicating that intense physical activity in hot environments is a major contributing factor.