Heat Stroke Vs. Heat Exhaustion: Know The Warning Signs

With temperatures heating up, it’s important to understand the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, each year, about 400 deaths and thousands of emergency department visits are caused by heat illnesses. While infants and people 65 and older are most at risk for a heat-related illness, it can affect anyone, even exercise enthusiasts.

Both conditions are related but different. According to Healthline, heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating. On the other hand, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when your body is unable to control its internal temperature. The outlet does note that heat stroke can be much more serious than heat exhaustion and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

“If you’re experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly if it’s very hot or you’re overexerting yourself,” they stated.

According to Corewell Health, the early warning signs of heat exhaustion are nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping, and dizziness. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, it is important to take certain steps to help get your temperature down and cool your body.

They suggest moving to an air-conditioned place, taking a cold shower or using cold compresses, drinking plenty of fluids, and removing tight or extra clothing layers. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can develop into heat stroke.

On the other hand, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Someone experiencing heat stroke may have a headache, confusion, dry skin that doesn’t sweat, profuse sweating, slurred speech, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and may lose consciousness.

If a heat stroke is suspected, it’s important to take the following steps, which include calling 911 immediately, moving the person to a cooler place, using cold compresses to get their temperatures down, and lastly do not give them fluids. That may sound counterintuitive. However, giving someone water is generally not recommended because it may lead to pulmonary edema, which is a condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Heat stroke can damage your brain and other vital organs and lead to death if not treated quickly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people at the highest risk are older adults and children under the age of 4 because they have trouble regulating body temperature. Also, people with mental illness and chronic diseases like obesity and cystic fibrosis are at high risk as well.

Many health officials recommend staying hydrated by drinking extra fluids like sports drinks, lightly salted water, or broth. Also, limit your time outside, wear sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a hat, and avoid strenuous activities.

As the weather gets warmer, we tend to spend more time outside under the hot sun. If you’re unable to find a cool place due to not having air conditioning or other reasons, you can find a cooling center near you here.