Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know

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Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and physical activity. It's the body's signal that it's struggling to keep cool.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Include:

Heavy sweating
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness and headache
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Pale, cold, and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion:

Move to a Cooler Location: Get out of the heat immediately and into an air-conditioned space or at least a shaded area.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to rehydrate and replace lost electrolytes.
Rest: Lie down and elevate your legs to help circulation.
Cool Down: Take a cool shower, bath, or use cool compresses.

Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke Include:

High body temperature (103°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Headache, dizziness, nausea
Confusion, altered mental states
Loss of consciousness

Treatment for Heat Stroke:

Call 911 Immediately: Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.
Do Not Drink Fluids: This can cause further complications.
Cool Down Urgently: While waiting for emergency services, move the person to a cooler place and help lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

The best way to handle heat-related illnesses is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
Avoid the Hottest Parts of the Day: Limit your outdoor activity to the cooler parts of the day, typically morning and evening.
Acclimate: Allow your body to acclimate to the heat over several days if traveling to a hotter climate or experiencing a heatwave.
Use Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself.

Knowing When to Seek Help

Understanding the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save lives. If you or someone else is showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, take immediate action to cool down and hydrate. If symptoms worsen or heat stroke is suspected, seek medical assistance right away.

By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy the warmer months safely and healthily. Remember, when it comes to heat-related illnesses, prevention is key, and recognizing the symptoms is a close second.