In heat stroke, is sweating typically present?

In heat stroke, sweating is typically absent due to the body's thermoregulatory system being overwhelmed. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises dramatically, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), and the body can no longer effectively dissipate heat. As the condition progresses, the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating temperature, becomes dysfunctional and impairs the sweating mechanism. This results in the cessation of sweating, which is a critical physiological response that helps cool the body.

This absence of sweating, combined with elevated body temperature, can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and neurological damage. The presence of dry skin is a hallmark of heat stroke, distinguishing it from heat exhaustion, where sweating continues albeit at a reduced level. This is why the choice indicating that sweating is absent during heat stroke is accurate.