What can happen to the body if it is unable to cool down due to high temperatures?

When the body is unable to cool down in high temperatures, it can lead to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These are critical responses to prolonged exposure to excessive heat, especially when combined with physical exertion.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt, leading to symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness. If this condition is not addressed, it can escalate to heat stroke, which is much more severe. Heat stroke can result in a body temperature that rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher, and it can cause confusion, unconsciousness, or even death if not treated promptly.

This serious health risk underscores the importance of understanding how high temperatures can affect the body, especially for individuals engaged in outdoor activities or in uncooled indoor environments. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these conditions can help prevent them and ensure timely medical intervention is sought when needed.