Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

July 25, 2021

4 min read

Approximately 600 people die each year in the United States due to heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Heat exhaustion is the most commonly reported illness. When left untreated, heat exhaustion inevitably leads to one experiencing a heat stroke which can be detrimental.

Heat-related illness, also known as hyperthermia, is a result of exposure to extremely high temperatures leaving the body unable to cool itself. But there is a difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it’s important to know the difference.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Heat exhaustion is a medical condition, however, when caught early it does not always require medical treatment.

Symptoms

Pale, cool, clammy skin
Generalized weakness
Heavy perspiration
Weak pulse
Tachycardia
Headache
Increased thirst
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle cramps
Orthostatic hypotension
Fainting

What causes heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is most commonly reported in areas of high humidity combined with high temperatures. When a person is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time their body becomes unable to self regulate and cool the body.

A person will experience extreme sweating, nausea and vomiting, and weakness that may lead to fainting. Should you find yourself or a loved one exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion there are crucial first steps to take before this medical condition progresses into something worse.

Treatment for heat exhaustion

It is imperative that you move the patient suffering from heat exhaustion into a cool, well-air-conditioned environment immediately. When appropriate, remove any tight-fitted clothes and place cool rags or ice packs onto the person. Place these ice packs or cool cloths

Under the armpits
Behind the neck
In the groin

You may offer small sips of water, but be sure to monitor the person closely for signs of choking or aspiration.

Seek immediate medical attention

It is imperative to seek out emergency medical attention if you are suffering from heat exhaustion and experience:

Persistent vomiting
Worsening symptoms
Symptoms last longer than one hour

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a more dangerous condition, if not treated.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an extreme medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. This is the result of ignored warning signs of heat exhaustion. When a person subjects their body to extreme heat, especially in areas of high humidity, a heat stroke can lead to fatal results.

Symptoms of a heat stroke

Body temperature elevated at 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more
Strong pulse
Confusion
Tachycardia
Red, hot, dry skin
No sweating
Severe headache
Altered level of consciousness
Seizures

The number one way to differentiate heat exhaustion and a heat stroke is the level of perspiration. When your body reaches temperatures high enough to result in a heat stroke, your body is no longer able to produce sweat leaving you with hot, dry skin.

What to do in the event of a heat stroke?

The first step when you suspect one may be suffering from a heat stroke is to rapidly move them into a cooler area. Once the person is out of the extreme elements surrounding them, immediately contact 911 for emergency medical services.

A heat stroke is a very serious medical condition resulting in the need of immediate medical treatment to cool the body at a proper rate. If the body temperature is cooled down too rapidly it can lead to serious medical side effects.

Do not give the victim fluids by mouth - this can be deadly! When one is suffering a heat stroke, their body has reached temperatures leaving them incapable of functioning at a normal capacity.

Get them to an ambulance or emergency room immediately

As with any medical condition, there are several risk factors associated with commonly reported heat-related illnesses and conditions. Among these, the most common are:

Age: Children under the age of 4 and adults aged 65 and older are at an increased risk for heat-related illnesses as their bodies lack the full functioning capability to self-regulate their temperature.
Medications: Many medications, whether prescription, over- the- counter, or illegal drugs, may lead to an increased risk of the possibility of one suffering from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
Obesity: A person with a higher body weight retains more heat than someone within normal weight limits. Because of this, a person suffering from obesity is more likely to suffer from a heat-related illness than someone that is within a healthy weight limit for their body type.

In addition to the obvious cause of these very serious medical conditions, there are many causes that a person may not consider. These include:

Dehydration
Wearing heavy, tight clothing
Alcohol consumption

If you know you are going to be out in the heat for an extended period of time it is important that you take in plenty of fluids and electrolytes, such as water and Gatorade, as well as wear loose-fitting clothes and limit the amount of alcohol you are taking in.

Stay indoors in air conditioning during extreme heat weather events
Stay hydrated by drinking water, even when not thirsty. Add diluted sports drinks to replenish salts, minerals, and vital electrolytes
Wear light-colored clothing outdoors
On high-humidity days, limit outdoor activity to the early mornings or evenings.