An unexpected event, a hassle and now you see red… literally. Indeed, under the influence of fear or sudden stress, many of us have the sensation of a slight heat stroke. Don’t we say that we were hot when we escaped the unexpected? But what is really happening to the body? Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical and author of
Anatomy Lessonsanswers us.
An adrenaline rush that “makes you hot”
According to him, this heatstroke is not just an impression:
“Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a surge of adrenaline and cortisol”. Result: the heart accelerates, breathing becomes faster and certain blood vessels, particularly in the face, neck or thorax, dilate.
“It is this reaction that causes facial redness, a feeling of diffuse heat, and even sudden sweating,” he specifies. This phenomenon, sometimes described as a “flush”, can also be accompanied by palpitations, slight difficulty breathing or even a paradoxical shiver. “Some people talk about a feeling of internal fever, when it is not a real fever”adds the doctor.
A heatstroke, which is not a fever
But that’s the whole nuance. “A true fever corresponds to a measurable rise in body temperature, generally above 38°C”recalls Dr. Kierzek. Conversely, during stress, “the temperature rarely exceeds 37.5 to 37.8°C”. It is therefore above all a sensation, certainly impressive, but most often not serious.
Another major difference: duration. “The heat stroke linked to stress disappears quickly as soon as we regain our calm“, he emphasizes. In the absence of other symptoms – such as cough, pain or digestive problems – there is generally no cause for concern.
However, not everyone is in the same boat.
“These manifestations are not systematic: they depend a lot on individual sensitivity”notes the specialist. People who are anxious, very emotional, or exposed to chronic stress are more prone to it. “We also observe these hot flashes in certain hormonal contexts, such as menopause.he specifies.
Lower the temperature, instructions for use
In the majority of cases, a few simple actions are enough to relieve the pressure.
- “Sitting down and slowing down your breathing is essential,” advises Dr. Kierzek. Inhaling slowly for four to five seconds, then exhaling at the same rate, helps calm the nervous system;
- Drinking water, cooling your face or getting some fresh air can also help dispel this unpleasant feeling;
- Finally, the doctor recommends avoiding certain aggravating factors: “Caffeine, alcohol or very spicy foods can accentuate these hot flashes.”
If these episodes become frequent or particularly bothersome, it is better to consult. “This can be linked to a form of intense stress, a hormonal imbalance, or more rarely to functional hyperthermia, sometimes called psychogenic fever”he concludes.
In summary, although stress can indeed give the impression of “rising in temperature”, it generally does not cause the thermometer to rise. A very real body illusion… but rarely disturbing.