What is a key feature of heat stroke?

A key feature of heat stroke is the failure of the sweating mechanism. In this serious condition, the body's ability to cool itself through sweating is compromised, leading to an inability to dissipate heat effectively. This can result in a rapid increase in core body temperature, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), which can cause severe damage to internal organs and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

While sweating is a natural response to heat, in heat stroke, the person may actually stop sweating altogether, which further exacerbates the problem of overheating. This contrasts sharply with heat exhaustion, where excessive sweating occurs.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing the seriousness of heat stroke and differentiating it from other heat-related illnesses.