What is the key difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat stroke is characterized by an elevated body temperature, often exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion in hot conditions. This condition occurs when the body's temperature-regulating mechanisms fail, leading to severe complications such as confusion, seizures, and organ failure.

The distinction here is crucial because it highlights the severity of heat stroke compared to heat exhaustion. While heat exhaustion may present with elevated body temperature, it typically does not reach the critical levels seen in heat stroke. Understanding this difference is key in recognizing and responding appropriately to heat-related illnesses, ensuring timely treatment can prevent more severe outcomes associated with heat stroke.