When the body cannot keep itself cool, heat stroke or heat prostration can occur. If body temperatures rise too quickly and too high, illness and other medical conditions can occur. Heat stroke is the more serious condition, but heat prostration should never be given a cold shoulder.
Significance
Heat stroke occurs when a body's internal temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher. It can be caused by exercise or exposure to high temperature. Heat prostration (also called heat exhaustion) is caused when a body is overheated by weather conditions and/or physical exercise. The body's temperature can reach up to 104 degrees.
Identification
In heat prostration skin may be hot, flushed and clammy. There may be excessive sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea and dizziness. During heat stroke a person may exhibit all of the above symptoms in addition to trouble breathing, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Effects
Heat stroke can cause damage to the brain and to the body's organs. Heat prostration requires rest and time for the body to cool. Once a person has suffered from heat prostration, the more likely the condition is to reoccur.
Prevention/Solution
Both conditions can be prevented by avoiding over exposure to extreme heat, wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and fluids, limiting physical exercise during high temperatures and wearing light clothing.
Considerations
Certain medications can cause heat prostration and/or heat stroke when taken and a person is exposed to high heat. Some allergy medications, blood pressure medicines, diet pills, laxatives, diuretics and antidepressants can all affect the way the body reacts to heat.
Fact
Older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to heat stroke and heat prostration.
Tags: heat prostration, Heat prostration, heat stroke, medical conditions, physical exercise