When you work out, the chemical and biological processes that create fuel for the body also release thermal energy. This thermal energy is normal and safe in most situations, but when athletes push themselves to their physical limits --- or when they are exercising in high temperatures --- unwanted conditions may result from the body's struggles in maintaining a safe core temperature. It is important to know what to look for and how to handle these developments if they occur.
Exercise and Core Temperature
Exercise generates heat. Some of this is expelled from the body through the skin and via respiration, but the body's natural cooling methods can only do so much. While some core temperature increase is safe for normal individuals, exhaustive exercise can push core temperatures to dangerously high levels. This can persist for several hours after exercise and expose your inner organs to potential damage in several forms, Dr. Hamid Sadri writes for the Sport Factory website.
Possible Complications
Physical damage due to a high core temperature comes in several forms. A minor and common development is heat cramps that develop in the muscles; this often results from a loss of sodium during exercise. A more serious condition is called heat syncope, which causes fainting when the body is exhausted during or immediately following intense exercise, Sadri notes. Heat exhaustion renders an athlete unable to continue exercising and results from fluid loss and the loss of electrolytes. Severe heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke, in which the body's core temperature rises above 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit; this can result in vomiting, diarrhea, excessive heart rate, seizures and possible coma.
Treatment and Prevention
Exercising individuals should take in water periodically throughout the day and also during exercise. Workouts lasting more than one hour should also feature electrolyte-providing sports drinks to prevent heat damage resulting from mineral loss. If you are experiencing symptoms related to overheating, take a break and sip small amounts of cool fluids. Find a cool location, such as the shade under a tree, but do not shock your body with drastic changes in temperature. If you experience symptoms of heat stroke, contact a doctor immediately.
Pregnancy Warning
Elevated core temperature can be a greater risk to both pregnant women and their unborn children. Because core temperature remains elevated for several hours after exercise, it can expose an unborn child to dangerously high body temperatures, the BabyCenter website warns. Pregnant women can also suffer from decreased heart performance when exercising in the supine position during the first trimester. It is recommended that pregnant women exercise at mild to moderate levels three times a week, but exercise should not be overly taxing or exhaustive. Expectant mothers should err on the side of caution to avoid damaging their bodies and/or their babies.
References
- "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise"; Physical Tolerance to Uncompensable Heat: Intermittent Exercise, Field vs. Laboratory; M.N. Sawka, et al.; March 2001
- The Sport Factory; Heat-Stress Disorders and Exercise; Dr. Hamid Sadri
- Duir: Exercise During Pregnancy
- BabyCenter; What Activities Should I Avoid During Pregnancy; Joanna Stone
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