Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the body's thermoregulatory system fails and core body temperature exceeds 40 °C. Without immediate treatment, it can cause brain damage, multi-organ failure, and death. It is distinguished from "heat exhaustion" (a preceding, reversible stage) by the involvement of central nervous system dysfunction.
Types and mechanisms
It is classified as: classic heatstroke (affecting vulnerable populations — elderly, chronically ill, children — during heat waves, especially after consecutive tropical nights) and exertional heatstroke (affecting young, healthy individuals performing intense exercise in hot, humid conditions: outdoor workers, athletes, military personnel).
Symptoms include: body temperature >40 °C, hot, red, dry skin (sweating ceases), confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, tachycardia, and shock. Urgent treatment is rapid cooling (cold-water immersion, ice packs) and intravenous hydration.
In Spain, heatstroke causes dozens of deaths every summer, with peaks during intense heat waves. Wet-bulb temperature is a more reliable predictor of risk than conventional temperature. Preventive measures include: avoiding sun exposure between 12-18h, continuous hydration, ventilation and air conditioning, and special vigilance for elderly people living alone. See also: tropical night, wind chill.