<P> Heat stroke occurs because of high external temperatures or physical exertion . Risk factors include heat waves, high humidity, certain drugs such as diuretics, beta blockers, or alcohol, heart disease, and skin disorders . Cases not associated with physical exertion typically occur in those at the extremes of age or with long term health problems . Diagnosis is based on symptoms . It is a type of hyperthermia . It is distinct from a fever, where there is a physiological increase in the temperature set point . </P> <P> Preventive measures include drinking sufficient fluids and avoiding excessive heat . Treatment is by rapid physical cooling of the body and supportive care . Recommended methods include spraying the person with water and using a fan, putting the person in ice water, or giving cold intravenous fluids . While it is reasonable to add ice packs around a person, this by itself is not routinely recommended . </P> <P> It results in more than 600 deaths a year in the United States . Rates have increased between 1995 and 2015 . The risk of death is less than 5% in those with exercise - induced heat stroke and as high as 65% in those with non-exercise induced cases . </P> <P> Heat stroke generally presents with a hyperthermia of greater than 40.6 ° C (105.1 ° F) in combination with disorientation and a lack of sweating . Before a heat stroke occurs, people show signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, mental confusion, headaches, and weakness; if a heat stroke occurs when the person is asleep, symptoms may be harder to notice . However, in exertional heat stroke, the affected person may sweat excessively . Young children, in particular, may have seizures . Eventually, unconsciousness, organ failure, and death will result . </P>

How fast can you die from heat stroke