Introduction
As climate change continues, and the weather grows increasingly hot, the dangers of heat illnesses become more and more prevalent. But while all heat illnesses can be dangerous if untreated, it is still important to distinguish between them (and know what to do)! This article will cover the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
On hot, humid days, our bodies sweat to cool themselves down. Heat exhaustion occurs when sweating isn’t enough to provide all the cooling necessary. The body will also lose excess amounts of salt and water from the sweating. In contrast, heat stroke (aka sunstroke) can arise if heat exhaustion is left untreated. It is a serious medical emergency, occurring when the body fails to properly manage its internal temperature. In this scenario, the body often stops sweating altogether. If you have a heat stroke, you need medical care immediately!
Keep in mind that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not separate categories. They exist on a spectrum of heat illnesses, where heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke.
Symptoms
Heat exhaustion
Fainting
Anxiety or confusion
High body temperature (between 101 and 104 degrees F)
Increased heart rate
Fatigue
Nausea
Excessive thirst
Muscle aches and cramps
Pale skin
Drenching sweats
Weakness
Headache
Dizziness
Agitation
Vomiting
Heat stroke
Confusion
Altered mental state and hallucinations
Aggression or agitation
High core body temperature (104 degrees F or higher)
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or vertigo
Dry skin
Fatigue
Hot, flushed, dry skin
Rapid heart rate
Convulsions
Shortness of breath
Profound sweating or inability to sweat
Slurred speech
Decreased urination
Blood in urine or stool
If you experience any of these symptoms (chart from the first source), get out of the sun and try to lower your body temperature! However, if your body temperature refuses to lower or if you have any of the following symptoms, find immediate medical attention:
Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
Loss of consciousness
Fast breathing
Shortness of breath
Excessive nausea or vomiting
Not sweating, even though you feel hot
Confusion
Seizure
Risk factors
Age: Infants and children under the age of 4 and adults the age of 65 or older are the most susceptible to heat illnesses. This is because our ability to regulate our body’s temperature at these ages is more difficult.
Activity level: Working outside in the heat, especially on hot, humid days, increases risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dehydration: Whether dehydration develops from excessive sweating to not drinking enough water, this still heightens chances for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This can also result from drinking alcohol on a hot day, as alcohol results in dehydration.
Sudden temperature changes: moving quickly from a colder to warmer place (such as when on vacation) can result in difficulty regulating body temperature. Your body gets better at adapting to heat over time, therefore, you are at greater risk until your body can adjust to the added heat. This can also result from beginning a new workout routine in a hot climate.
Prescription medications: certain medications intended to help heart conditions or high blood pressure may cause your ability to stay hydrated to decline. Dehydration would then contribute to increased risk of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Obesity: increased weight is linked with your body retaining more heat. Difficulties in cooling your body can also result from obesity or being overweight.
High heat index: the measurement heat index accounts for humidity and the outside temperature to determine how hot it feels to you. High humidity causes your sweat to evaporate less easily and makes cooling yourself down more difficult. Focus on prevention methods if the heat index is greater than 91°F.
Treatments
For heat exhaustion, immediately get out of the heat. Aim to lower your body temperature. This can be done by drinking water, applying ice packs, squeezing a rag of cold water above yourself, or even submerging yourself in a tub of cold water. If you can cool down in under 30 minutes, heat exhaustion generally isn’t an emergency.
If the methods described above aren’t enough to help you to cool down or you still feel sick, call 911 or your local emergency hotline. Especially if you notice signs of heat stroke, it is an emergency! Medical professionals may:
Use a blood test to see sodium or potassium levels to check if you’re dehydrated
Take a sample of your urine, where dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration
Carry out muscle function tests
Check kidney function
Do x-rays or other imaging tests to see if you have suffered any damage to internal organs
References
Hansen, Kelli. "Do You Have Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion? Learn the Signs." Healthline,
Healthline Media, 26 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/heat-stroke-vs-heat
exhaustion. Accessed 19 July 2024.
"Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Are Too Hot to Handle on Your Own." Cleveland Clinic, 21
June 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/heat-exhaustion-vs-heat-stroke. Accessed 19 July
2024.
WebMD Editorial Contributors. "Understanding Heat-Related Illness -- Symptoms." WebMD,
July 2024.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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