During the summer, we experience some of the longest days of the year. More time is spent outdoors, and heat-related illnesses become more prevalent. You likely have heard the terms “heat exhaustion” and “heat stroke,” but is there even a difference? They are heat-related illnesses that differ in severity.
Heat Exhaustion:
According to the Cleveland Clinic in 2024, heat exhaustion often occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, intense physical activity, and dehydration. Common symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, and cool, moist skin. Treatment for heat exhaustion involves moving to a cooler place, hydrating with water or sports drinks, removing unnecessary clothing, applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, and resting.
Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a more severe and life-threatening condition that results from the body’s failure to regulate its temperature. This typically occurs due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat and dehydration. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (104°F or higher), altered mental state or behavior, nausea, flushed and hot skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Though heat exhaustion may or may not require medical attention, heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Preventing both heat exhaustion and heat stroke involves similar strategies, such as staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, taking breaks in cool or shaded areas, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, recognizing early signs of heat-related illnesses and acting promptly can prevent the progression to more severe conditions like heat stroke. Using fans or air conditioning, monitoring the heat index, and limiting exposure during extreme heat warnings are also essential preventative measures. Understanding the differences between these two conditions is critical for ensuring timely and appropriate responses to heat-related health risks (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
References:
Clinic, C. (2024, June 27). Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are too hot to handle on your own. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/heat-exhaustion-vs-heat-stroke
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board