Through a delicate balancing act of thermoregulation processes, the human body keeps its core temperature at or around 98.6°F, or 37°C. Nevertheless, this temperature can change substantially under some circumstances.
Core body temperatures are tightly controlled by the human thermoregulatory system. A combination of physiological changes (such as perspiration and vasodilation) and behavioral ones (such as seeking shade or dressing appropriately) accomplish this. But these systems can be tested to their breaking points in the most adverse environments.
Overwhelmed by Heat: Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia happens when the body's core temperature rises due to heat absorption or generation beyond its heat dissipation capabilities. Under these circumstances, core body temperature can rise above normal range:
The worst kind of hyperthermia is heat stroke. Some people experience core temperatures as high as 104°F, or 40°C. Stopping sweating, heated, dry skin, and malfunction of the central nervous system are the hallmarks of heat stroke, a medical emergency. People in Chicago died of heat stroke in 1995 due to temperatures that reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius).
Lower Body Fat Thermogenesis: As a result of their exceptionally high levels of muscular activity, elite athletes, particularly those participating in endurance sports, might experience a core temperature that reaches 104°F, or slightly higher. According to studies conducted by Kenefick et al. (2012), it is possible for marathon runners to experience core temperatures up to 104°F, or 40°C, while competing. Extreme heat, such as in a sauna or a desert, can cause serious harm if not adequately cooled or protected.
Maximums in Theory
Theoretically, a human being can endure a body temperature of about 110°F (43.3°C) for an extended period of time. Denatured proteins cause cell death and organ failure after this point. On the other hand, staying alive in those kinds of temperatures is next to impossible. In rare cases, people have survived temperatures as high as 108°F (42.2°C) with the help of medical professionals, but these are the exception rather than the rule and typically lead to serious brain damage or death.
The body's production of heat shock proteins aids cell survival in situations of high heat, however these proteins aren't completely protective, and onsistent heat exposure can increase tolerance, although this only marginally expands the limits.
The human body possesses incredible heat-resistance mechanisms, but they do have limits. Core temperatures typically range from roughly 98.6°F to around 108°F, although with prompt medical attention, humans can endure much higher temperatures in extreme situations. Nevertheless, such extremes are extremely rare and can be fatal. In order to combat hyperthermia, it is essential for medical professionals, sports scientists, and environmental health professionals to have a firm grasp of these boundaries.