Calenture

A historical term for a tropical fever

Calenture
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, delirium, hallucinations
Complications	Dehydration, heat exhaustion
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Exposure to tropical heat
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Cooling measures, hydration
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Calenture is a historical term used to describe a fever that was believed to affect sailors in the tropics. The condition was characterized by high fever, delirium, and hallucinations, often leading those afflicted to imagine the sea as a green field and attempt to jump overboard. While the term is largely obsolete in modern medical practice, it provides insight into the challenges faced by sailors during long voyages in the age of sail.

Historical Context

Calenture was first described in the 16th and 17th centuries, during the era of European exploration and colonization. Sailors on long voyages were exposed to extreme heat, poor nutrition, and unsanitary conditions, which contributed to a variety of illnesses. Calenture was one of several maladies that plagued seafarers, alongside scurvy, dysentery, and typhus.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of calenture included:

• High fever
• Delirium
• Hallucinations, particularly the illusion of seeing the sea as a green field

These symptoms often led to dangerous behavior, such as attempting to "walk" on the sea, resulting in sailors jumping overboard.

Causes

The exact cause of calenture was not well understood at the time. It was thought to be related to exposure to the intense heat of the tropics, combined with dehydration and exhaustion. Modern interpretations suggest that calenture may have been a form of heat stroke or severe dehydration, exacerbated by the harsh conditions aboard ships.

Treatment

Treatment for calenture was limited by the medical knowledge of the time. Common practices included:

• Cooling the patient with water or shade
• Providing fluids to combat dehydration
• Rest and removal from direct sunlight

These methods align with modern treatments for heat-related illnesses, which focus on cooling and rehydration.

Modern Perspective

Today, calenture is not recognized as a distinct medical condition. However, the symptoms described align with those of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Understanding historical conditions like calenture helps modern medicine appreciate the evolution of medical knowledge and the impact of environmental factors on health.

Also see

• Heat stroke
• Dehydration
• Tropical medicine
• Scurvy
• Dysentery