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Heat stroke is an acute temperature elevation caused by exposure to excessive heat, or combination of heat and humidity, that overwhelms the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. The latter is a relatively rare side effect of many drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system .
Heat illness is a spectrum of disorders due to increased body temperature. It can be caused by either environmental conditions or by exertion . It includes minor conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion as well as the more severe condition known as heat stroke. [ 1 ]
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness characterized by the body's inability to effectively cool itself, typically occurring in high ambient temperatures or during intense physical exertion. In heat exhaustion, core body temperature ranges from 37 °C to 40 °C (98.6 °F to 104 °F).
Heat syncope is fainting or dizziness as a result of overheating (syncope is the medical term for fainting). It is a type of heat illness. The basic symptom of heat syncope is fainting, with or without mental confusion. [1] Heat syncope is caused by peripheral vessel dilation, resulting in diminished blood flow to the brain and dehydration.
Skin changes can occur after prolonged exposure to any heat source, Camp noted, including laptops, heated car seats, hot water bottles, electric blankets, space heaters and heating pads used to ...
Treatment of heat stroke involves rapid mechanical cooling along with standard resuscitation measures. [22] The body temperature must be lowered quickly via conduction, convection, or evaporation. [4] During cooling, the body temperature should be lowered to less than 39 degrees Celsius, ideally less than 38-38.5 degrees Celsius. [5]
In a medical setting, mild hyperthermia is commonly called heat exhaustion or heat prostration; severe hyperthermia is called heat stroke. Heatstroke may come on suddenly, but it usually follows the untreated milder stages. Treatment involves cooling and rehydrating the body; fever-reducing drugs are useless for this condition.
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