Definition of Heat Stroke and How to Avoid It

With the fun-filled days of summer, comes a danger not many of us do not usually think about - heat stroke. Our bodies are constantly generating heat and being in warm environments and working in heat can put a great deal of stress on our internal cooling systems. Heat stroke is life threatening, because when it occurs we lose our bodies' normal cooling mechanisms such as sweating and perspiration evaporation. With the loss of these preventative mechanisms, the body's core temperature can rise to 104 and higher.

Internal damage which occurs when the body's temperature is over 105 degrees usually cannot be undone. It is like trying to un-fry an egg.

The most common cause of heat stroke is over exertion in warm and humid temperatures. However, there are factors which can make people more prone to experiencing heat stroke. People who are more susceptible may include: the obese, athletes, outdoor workers, infants and the elderly. Also, people who have been diagnosed with heart diseases, lung diseases and kidney diseases may be more vulnerable in hot weather because of the medications they take for these conditions.

The signs and symptoms of heat stroke can be difficult to spot because they mimic the symptoms of other disorders, such as heart attacks. Before experiencing heat stroke, a person may show signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion may include: nausea, muscle cramps, headache, listlessness, dizziness/lightheadedness, and exhaustion. If a person begins to display any of these symptoms, people should be on the alert for progression to heat stroke.