injuries and poisoning
Heatstroke
Introduction
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that results in very high body temperature and malfunction of many organ systems, which may be fatal. (See also Overview of Heat Disorders .) Heatstroke can develop after hours of exertion in young athletes or after days of hot weather in rooms without air-conditioning in very old people. Body temperature is higher than 104° F (40° C), and the brain malfunctions. People should be cooled immediately. Heatstroke is the most severe form of Overview of Heat Disorders . People with heatstroke are much sicker than people with other heat disorders. The following features in particular distinguish heatstroke from other heat disorders: Body temperature is usually higher than 104° F (40° C) Symptoms of brain malfunction develop Heatstroke may occur fairly rapidly when people exert themselves in extreme heat or are in a closed, hot environment. For example, heatstroke can develop in young, healthy athletes and soldiers, particularly those who are not acclimatized, after only hours of intense exertion in hot, humid weather. Workers in hot environments, particularly those, such as firefighters and foundry workers, who must wear heavy protective clothing are at similar risk. Heatstroke is a common cause of death in athletes. Heatstroke can also develop over days of hot weather when people, particularly older sedentary people, stay in rooms that are poorly ventilated and not air-conditioned. Older people, people who have certain medical conditions (such as those that involve malfunction of the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver), and young children are most vulnerable to heatstroke. It can occur rapidly in children left in a hot car. Heatstroke occurs because the body cannot lose heat rapidly enough in conditions of extreme heat. Because the body cannot cool itself, body temperature continues to rise rapidly to dangerously high levels. Conditions that interfere with heat loss, including certain skin disorders and drugs that decrease sweating, increase the risk. Heatstroke can temporarily or permanently damage vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. The higher the temperature, especially when higher than 106° F (41° C), the more rapidly problems develop. Death may occur. 