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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 .
As in other mammals, human thermoregulation is an important aspect of homeostasis. In thermoregulation, body heat is generated mostly in the deep organs, especially the liver, brain, and heart, and in contraction of skeletal muscles. [1] Humans have been able to adapt to a great diversity of climates, including hot humid and hot arid.
Scientists say heat waves are becoming more common, and people are being warned that excessively hot conditions are found to exacerbate stress and mental health problems.
Humans adapted to heat early on. In Africa, the climate selected for traits that helped them stay cool. Also, humans had physiological mechanisms that reduced the rate of metabolism and that modified the sensitivity of sweat glands to provide an adequate amount for cooldown without the individual becoming dehydrated. [17] [20]
The National Weather Service issued an "Excessive Heat Watch" for Las Cruces, warning New Mexicans in the region that as temperatures continue to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit this week ...
[24] [25] Prolonged heat exposure, physical exertion, and dehydration are sufficient factors for the development of CKD. [24] [25] The human body requires evaporation of sweat to cool down and prevent overheating, even with a low activity level. With excessive heat and humidity human bodies would no longer be able to adequately cool the skin.
Heat stress can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). [2] [3] Although heat exhaustion is less severe, heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment, which if not provided, can lead to death. [4]
A heat storm is a Californian term for an extended heat wave. Heat storms occur when the temperature reaches 100 °F (37.8 °C) for three or more consecutive days over a wide area (tens of thousands of square miles). [18] The National Weather Service issues heat advisories and excessive heat warnings when it expects unusual periods of hot weather.