As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both are serious conditions, but heat stroke is a medical emergency. Here’s what you need to know:
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats and can’t cool itself effectively. It’s serious but can be treated if caught early.
Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
What to do:
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
Get medical help if symptoms last longer than 1 hour, worsen, or you’re throwing up.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature regulation system fails. It requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Symptoms:
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately – heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do NOT give the person anything to drink. Why? Heat stroke can alter mental status, increasing choking risk. It may also cause electrolyte imbalances that drinking could worsen. Let medical professionals handle hydration safely. Focus on cooling and getting emergency help fast!
Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-saving. While both conditions are serious, heat stroke is a critical emergency requiring immediate medical intervention. To protect yourself and others during hot weather:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid peak heat: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
- Dress appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Cool down: Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces or shaded areas.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time.
- Check on vulnerable individuals: Elderly neighbors, those with chronic conditions, and people without air conditioning may need extra support.
- Recognize early signs: Addressing heat exhaustion promptly can prevent it from progressing to heat stroke.
By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can enjoy warm weather safely and potentially save lives. Remember, when in doubt about heat-related symptoms, especially signs of heat stroke, always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention promptly.
