What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails and the body temperature rises to dangerously high levels, typically above 104°F (40°C). One of the hallmark symptoms of heat stroke is hot and dry skin. This occurs because the body's natural cooling mechanism, which involves sweating, becomes impaired. Instead of sweating, the skin feels hot and may appear red, and since the body is not able to cool itself through perspiration, the skin remains dry rather than clammy.

In addition to hot and dry skin, individuals experiencing heat stroke may exhibit other symptoms such as confusion, altered mental state, headache, rapid heart rate, and even loss of consciousness. It's critical to recognize these symptoms quickly, as heat stroke can lead to serious complications and may even be fatal without prompt treatment.

The other symptoms listed, like cold and clammy skin, excessive shivering, and nausea with diarrhea, are indicative of other medical conditions rather than heat stroke. Cold and clammy skin is typically associated with heat exhaustion, excessive shivering may suggest hypothermia or a severe response to another illness, and nausea and diarrhea can be signs of gastrointestinal issues or other conditions unrelated to heat stroke. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate diagnosis and