What Degrees of Heat Stroke Are There?

Heat stroke is the most common terminology used to describe all three degrees of hyperthermia, which is an abnormally high body temperature. The degrees of hyperthermia, or heat stroke, are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke itself.

Heat Cramps

• Heat cramps are the first stage of heat stroke. They are forceful and painful muscle contractions that usually happen when someone is doing work in a hot environment that they're not used to doing.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion is the second stage of heat stroke. Although it is partially due to exhaustion as the name suggests, heat exhaustion is generally a result of dehydration and excessive heat.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, paleness and vomiting. A moderately elevated temperature of between 101°F and 102°F is another indication that someone may have heat exhaustion.

Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke is the third and most severe stage of hyperthermia, and it is commonly used to describe all three degrees of heat stroke. Individuals who are suffering from heat stroke usually do not sweat at all, although athletes who have heat stroke after exercising in hot weather may sweat considerably.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Someone may have heat stroke if his body temperature is 106°F or greater. In addition, he may be delirious or unconscious, and he may also start to have seizures. Hospitalization is crucial in lowering someone's temperature if they are suffering from heat stroke, because prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause organs in the body to fail.