Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Understanding the Critical Differences to Protect Your Workforce
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious health concerns caused by overheating.
- Heat exhaustion is a milder condition, a warning sign that can progress to heat stroke if untreated.
- Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments of both conditions is crucial for preventing them.
- Proactive measures like hydration, appropriate clothing, and limiting strenuous activity in hot weather are essential.
What are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses stemming from the body’s inability to regulate its internal temperature effectively. This typically occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. The difference lies in the severity of the symptoms and the body’s physiological response. Heat exhaustion is a milder condition, a warning sign that the body is struggling to cope with the heat. Untreated, it can quickly progress to heat stroke, a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Heat Exhaustion: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion is characterized by the body’s attempt to cool itself through excessive sweating, leading to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. This dehydration, coupled with electrolyte imbalance, disrupts the body’s normal functioning.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating
- Cool, moist skin, often with goosebumps, or clammy skin
- Faintness or dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Elevated body temperature: Typically below 104°F (40°C)
- Dark-colored urine
- Swollen ankles, feet, or hands (heat edema)
Causes of Heat Exhaustion:
- Prolonged exposure to high temperatures
- Strenuous physical activity
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion:
- Move the individual to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned environment.
- Loosen or remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
- Have them lie down with legs elevated.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
- Fan the person to aid cooling.
- If conscious and able to swallow, have them slowly sip cool water or an electrolyte-rich sports drink.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Prevention of Heat Exhaustion:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing
- Protect against sunburn
- Limit strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day
- Gradually acclimate your body to hot weather
- Be cautious with certain medications
- Never leave anyone in a parked car
Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency
Heat stroke represents the most severe form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s temperature control system fails, causing a dangerously high core body temperature (104°F/40°C or higher). This condition is a life-threatening emergency that demands immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
- High body temperature (104°F/40°C or higher)
- Altered mental state or behavior
- Change in sweating pattern
- Flushed or red skin
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Racing or strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of coordination or balance issues
- Making very small amounts of urine (oliguria)
Causes of Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke results from the body’s inability to dissipate heat effectively. Contributing factors include:
- Prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions
- Intense physical activity in hot environments
- Dehydration
- Wearing heavy clothing
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- Age-related physiological changes
There are two main types:
- Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS)
- Non-exertional (Classic) Heat Stroke (NEHS)
Treatment for Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. While awaiting help, take these immediate steps:
- Move the person to a cool, shaded area or indoors.
- Remove any excess clothing.
- Rapidly cool the person using any available means.
- If the person is conscious, give them sips of cool fluid.
Prevention of Heat Stroke:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
- Protect against sunburn
- Limit time spent working or exercising in hot weather
- Get acclimated to hot weather gradually
- Take extra precautions with certain medications
- Never leave children or animals alone in a car
Key Differences: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
| Feature | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Mild to moderate | Severe, life-threatening medical emergency |
| Body Temperature | Below 104°F (40°C) | 104°F (40°C) or higher |
| Sweating | Heavy sweating | May be absent (hot, dry skin) or profuse sweating |
| Mental Status | Alert, though possibly confused or disoriented | Altered mental status: confusion, delirium, seizures, coma |
| Skin | Cool, moist, possibly clammy | Hot, dry, or profusely sweating |
| Pulse | Weak, rapid | Racing or strong, may become weak |
| Treatment | Rest, cooling measures, fluids, seek medical attention if symptoms worsen | Immediate medical attention, rapid cooling |