Heat stroke is the most serious of all heat-related illnesses.

It occurs when the body reaches an abnormally high temperature and is not able to cool itself down efficiently.

The elderly and infants must be watched for symptoms of heat stroke.

The symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes be mistaken for those associated with a heart attack.

While everyone has different symptoms and reactions to heat stroke, there are a few common symptoms you should watch out for:

*Nausea
*Weakness
*Headache
*Dizziness
*Difficulty Breathing
*Rapid Pulse
*Disorientation
*Flushed skin, but no sign of perspiration
*High body temperature

In the elderly, heat stroke may demonstrate as hallucinations, rapid breathing, and disorientation. Left untreated, heat stroke can lead to seizures, coma, or death.

Heat stroke is one of three kinds of heat related illnesses.

All heat related illnesses occur when the body overheats to extreme levels.

Heat rash and heat cramps are two kinds of heat related illnesses. These are not as severe as the third kind, heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a form of extremely elevated body temperature which is accompanied by physical and neurological symptoms. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency and can be fatal if treatment is not sought in time.

Our bodies are always giving off heat, through the process of metabolism. The body is generally able to reduce its heat by either sweating or radiating heat.

However, in conditions of extreme temperature, such as high heat, high humidity, or too much exercise in the hot sun, the body is not able to cool down fast enough. As a result, the body's temperature rises (sometimes reaching 106 degrees Farenheit or higher). As you can imagine, this is a very serious situation.

Heat stroke can also be caused by dehydration, as a person who is low on fluids is not going to be able to produce sweat fast enough to cool the body in extreme conditions.

The elderly and infants are most susceptible to heat stroke, though it can also impact athletes or those who perform heavy labor under the hot sun. People with heart disease, kidney disease, and lung disease may be more susceptible to heat stroke. Certain medications can make you more vulnerable to heat stroke.

A good rule to follow is to limit your exertion when the temperature is high and the humidity is high. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and give your body a chance to cool down.