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Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: Spotting the Difference

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: A Crucial Distinction

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both caused by overheating, but heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.
  • Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
  • Heat stroke symptoms include a very high body temperature (104°F or higher), confusion, and changes in sweating patterns.
  • Immediate medical attention is crucial for heat stroke.
  • Prevention involves staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and limiting sun exposure.

Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke result from the body’s inability to regulate its internal temperature, usually due to high temperatures or intense physical exertion. Heat exhaustion involves excessive sweating leading to dehydration, while heat stroke is a complete failure of the thermoregulatory system, causing a dangerously high core body temperature.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signs

  • Heavy Sweating: Profuse perspiration with cool, moist skin.
  • Headache: Throbbing headache with dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Dizziness or Faintness: Feeling lightheaded or experiencing vertigo.
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme tiredness and muscle weakness.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach.
  • Muscle Cramps: Painful muscle cramps in the legs, arms, or abdomen.
  • Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia): Increased heart rate.
  • Fast, Shallow Breathing (Tachypnea): Rapid and shallow breathing.
  • Elevated Body Temperature: May be between 101°F (38.3°C) and 104°F (40°C).
  • Excessive Thirst: Intense thirst due to dehydration.
  • Confusion or Anxiety: Mild confusion or anxiety.
  • Blurred Vision: Impaired sight.
  • Low Blood Pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension): Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing.
  • Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Hands (Heat Edema): Fluid retention causing swelling.

What to Do if You Suspect Heat Exhaustion

  • Move to a cooler place.
  • Hydrate with cool water or electrolyte-rich drinks.
  • Rest.
  • Cool down with cool, wet cloths or a cool shower.
  • Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or don’t improve within an hour.

Heat Stroke Symptoms: A Medical Emergency

  • Very High Internal Body Temperature: 104°F (40°C) or higher.
  • Changes in Mental State: Confusion, agitation, aggression, delirium, irritability, slurred speech, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma.
  • Changes in Sweating Pattern: Hot, dry skin (classic heat stroke) or profuse sweating (exertional heat stroke).
  • Hot, Flushed Skin: Red and flushed skin.
  • Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia): Significantly elevated heart rate.
  • Rapid, Shallow Breathing (Tachypnea): Fast and shallow breathing.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting.
  • Headache: Severe headache.
  • Blurred Vision: Impaired vision.
  • Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Dangerously low blood pressure.

What to Do if You Suspect Heat Stroke

Call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler environment, remove excess clothing, and cool them down with cool, wet cloths or cool water (avoid ice water).

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Wear appropriate clothing.
  • Limit sun exposure.
  • Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
  • Monitor yourself and others.

Conclusion: Knowledge is Power

Understanding the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is crucial for prevention and treatment. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

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