Heat stroke feels like a severe and dangerous overheating of the body, with a rapid rise in core temperature to 104°F (40°C) or higher. Key sensations and symptoms include:
- Intense heat and hot, dry skin (though sweating may be profuse if caused by exercise)
- Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and even loss of consciousness or coma, reflecting brain dysfunction
- Headache, dizziness, and feeling faint or lightheaded
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat and rapid, shallow breathing due to the body's stress
- Skin may flush red as body temperature rises
- In some cases, sweating stops, and the skin becomes dry and hot, which is a critical sign of heat stroke
- Other unusual behaviors such as poor coordination, aggression, or strange behavior may occur
Overall, heat stroke feels like overwhelming heat combined with severe physical and mental symptoms, including confusion and weakness, and requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious organ damage or death
