Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
When summer temperatures soar or if you travel to a warmer climate, the risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke, also increases. It’s important to protect yourself and know the signs and of heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke if you are planning on spending time outside in hot, humid weather. Below we will discuss some of the similarities and differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Be alert and seek treatment immediately if you experience any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke to avoid serious complications.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body is exposed to extreme heat conditions and is unable to cool down properly. It occurs due to a loss of water and salt in your body from excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake. If heat exhaustion isn’t promptly treated, it can lead to heat stroke.
If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, here are some steps you should take immediately to lower your temperature:
- Move indoors to a cool place (if unable to move indoors, seek out a shaded area).
- Slowly sip on a cool, non-alcoholic beverage.
- Loosen or remove any tight clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool, wet cloths on your body.
If your symptoms don’t subside within 15 minutes of trying to cool yourself down, seek medical attention to prevent progression to heat stroke.
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and happens when your body’s temperature regulation system is overwhelmed by excessive heat conditions. When your body’s cooling system stops working, your body temperature starts to rise, typically reaching between 104F to 106F. When left untreated, this increase in body temperature can cause brain damage or internal organ damage. Potentially, it can even result in death.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke. While waiting for help to arrive, here are some steps you can take to lower your temperature:
- Do not drink anything.
- Move indoors to a cool place (if unable to move indoors, seek out a shaded area).
- Loosen or remove tight clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool, wet cloths on your body.
Similarities Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
1. Increase in Body Temperature
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can cause your body temperature to rise. However, if you are suffering from heat exhaustion, your body temperature will be elevated between 100F to104F, whereas it is often even higher (upwards of 105F) if you are suffering from heat stroke.
2. Headache
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can cause a headache, although the headache associated with heat stroke is often described as throbbing.
3. Fatigue, Dizziness and Fainting
Both heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke can cause fatigue, dizziness and possibly fainting.
4. Weakness and Muscle Cramps
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can cause body weakness and muscle cramps.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are both common signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke may also cause a loss of appetite.
Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
1. Sweating
One of the main differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is sweating. If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, then you will sweat profusely, and if you are suffering from heat stroke, you will have decreased sweating. In some cases, you may stop sweating altogether.
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2. Skin Changes
If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, your skin will be cool, pale and clammy; you may also have goosebumps. Conversely, if you are suffering from heat stroke, your skin will be red, hot and dry.
3. Pulse Changes
If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, you will have a fast and weak pulse. Conversely, if you are suffering from heat stroke, your pulse will be fast and strong.
4. Breathing Changes
If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, then you will have a normal breathing pattern. Conversely, if you are suffering from heat stroke, you will have a rapid, shallow breathing pattern (hyperventilation).
5. Mental Status Changes
If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, your mental status remains intact, whereas if you are suffering from heat stroke, you may experience mental status changes including:
- Confusion.
- Agitation.
- Slurred speech.
- Seizures.
- Delirium.
- Hallucinations.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Coma.
In Conclusion
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke are two serious heat-related illnesses that require prompt treatment at the first signs of symptoms. While anyone can be affected by heat-related illnesses, the elderly, young and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk of severe illness. Being active outdoors and not drinking enough liquids during extreme heat, as well as having certain medical conditions, puts you at risk for heat-related illness. Protecting yourself by staying indoors during extreme heat, seeking shade, staying adequately hydrated when outdoors and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing can help to reduce the risk of suffering from heat-related illness during hot summer days.
