Heat stroke occurs when a person undergoes thermoregulatory failure in association with hot environmental temperatures and/or intense physical exertion. Heat stroke may be diagnosed based on the presence of certain clinical findings.
Criteria for the diagnosis of heat stroke:
(1) rectal or core temperature >= 40.6°C
(2) hot dry (anhidrosis) skin
(3) deterioration in the level of consciousness, including delirium, coma and/or seizures
(4) history of exposure to hot conditions and/or intense physical exertion
Criteria for heat exhaustion:
(1) dizziness, weakness and fatigue
(2) history of exposure to high ambient temperatures
(3) inadequate or imbalanced replacement of fluid and electrolytes
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