What are heat-related illnesses and what can cause them?

Heat-related illnesses refer to a range of medical conditions that arise when the body is unable to regulate its temperature effectively, leading to overheating. When the body's temperature rises, it can become overwhelmed and fail to cool down through normal processes such as sweating. This disruption can result in various conditions, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be severe and even life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

The underlying cause of heat-related illnesses is typically exposure to high temperatures, either from environmental heat, strenuous physical activity, or a combination of these factors. When the body cannot dissipate heat efficiently, it can lead to an increase in core body temperature and subsequent symptoms of heat-related illness. Factors such as high humidity, dehydration, and underlying health conditions can further exacerbate this inability to cool down, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses to prevent serious health outcomes.