According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat stroke is the most severe of all heat illnesses and occurs when the body's temperature rises above 104 degrees and sometimes above 106 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Mayo Clinic, heat stroke can be caused by environmental temperatures, strenuous activities or other conditions that raise your body's temperature.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids or water. Heat stroke prevents the body from sweating, which is a sign that dehydration has occurred. As the body's temperature rises the body's fluid levels decrease as it tries to cool the body down.
Neurological Effects
Heat stroke can cause serious neurological side effects. Headaches, confusion, lack of comprehension are the first signs of neurological side effects. As heat stroke worsens, individuals may suffer hallucinations or seizures, may lose consciousness and may slip into a coma.
Severe Effects
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness. If untreated, heat stroke can cause brain damage, organ failure and even death. The severe body temperatures can cook the internal organs, including the brain. The longer a body endures the higher temperatures, the more severe the health conditions become. Eventually, organs will shut down and death becomes imminent.
Other Effects
Common effects of heat stroke are high body temperatures; cramps; weakness; increased pulse or heart rate; skin that's red, hot, or dry and nausea. These common effects present themselves in the beginning stages of heat stroke and can present further damage if detected.
Treating Heat Stroke
The main focus of treating heat stroke is to cool the core temperature to at least 101 degrees F. Common methods of cooling the body are immersion into cold water, evaporating water over the body or wrapping in icepacks. If an individual is suffering from dehydration, then assist him in the consumption of liquids like Gatorade.
