Final answer:
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body temperature is above 37°C (98.6°F) but below 40°C (104°F), while heat stroke is when the temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F). Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can lead to death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms heat exhaustion and heat stroke refer to conditions resulting from hyperthermia, where the body's temperature is elevated beyond its normal range. Heat exhaustion is characterized by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, and possible fainting. It typically occurs when the body reaches a temperature above 37°C (98.6°F), but not exceeding 40°C (104°F). When the body's temperature rises above 40°C (104°F), it is considered heat stroke, which is a severe medical emergency and can cause damage to the brain and other organs. During a heat stroke, the affected individual might experience a throbbing headache, red, hot, and dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Proper understanding of these conditions is crucial as excessive hyperthermia can lead to enzymes losing their ability to function properly, causing vital body systems, primarily the central nervous system, to cease normal function, eventually resulting in death if not properly addressed.