What common symptom is associated with heat stroke?

The common symptom associated with heat stroke is elevated body temperature. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to a critical rise in internal temperature, typically above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). This is primarily due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration.

During heat stroke, the body becomes unable to cool itself through sweating, which distinguishes it from heat exhaustion where excessive sweating is a prominent symptom. Cold skin and shivering are generally not associated with heat stroke; in fact, the skin can become hot and dry due to the body's inability to sweat. Understanding these symptoms is essential for recognizing heat stroke, which requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious health consequences.