What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer adequately regulate its temperature. Normally, sweating helps to dissipate excess heat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or prolonged exertion, this system can become overloaded.
As a result, the body temperature continues to rise. When it exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, organs, muscles, and the nervous system can be endangered.
Heatstroke is therefore a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
How does overheating occur?
During exercise, muscles produce heat. The more intense the exertion, the more heat is released.
Normally, the body dissipates this heat through:
- Sweating
- Evaporation of moisture on the skin
- Increased blood flow to the skin
When the ambient temperature is high or the humidity is great, it becomes increasingly difficult to lose heat.
The risk further increases with:
- Prolonged exertion
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Direct sunlight
- Poor acclimatization to heat
- Excessively high training intensity
What are the first signs of overheating?
Overheating usually does not occur all at once. Often, there are warning signs beforehand.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased performance
These symptoms may indicate heat exhaustion, a precursor to heatstroke.
