Temperature stress, physiological stress induced by excessive heat or cold that can impair functioning and cause injury or death. Exposure to intense heat increases body temperature and pulse rate. If body temperature is sufficiently high, sweating may cease, the skin may become dry, and deeper and faster breathing may follow. Headaches, nausea, disorientation, fainting, and unconsciousness also may occur. The initial symptom of cold stress is pain in exposed areas. Continued exposure may lead to numbness, mental confusion, lethargy, and irregular heartbeat.
Temperature stress is a particular problem in aerospace medicine, and elaborate precautions must be taken to protect fliers and ... (100 of 308 words)