What condition can result from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures or excessive exercise?

Prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures or excessive exercise primarily leads to heat exposure. This term encompasses a range of heat-related illnesses that occur when the body is unable to effectively cool itself, leading to increased body temperature.

Heat exposure can manifest in various forms, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are serious medical conditions that require prompt intervention. Heat exhaustion includes symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness, while heat stroke, a more severe condition, can result in confusion, loss of consciousness, and even organ failure if not addressed quickly.

Conditions like heat cramps and dehydration can be associated with heat exposure but are not as comprehensive in describing the overarching condition caused by prolonged high temperatures. Hypothermia is unrelated as it occurs due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, making it not applicable in this context. Understanding heat exposure as a broader category helps in recognizing and managing the risks associated with high temperatures and strenuous activities effectively.