​Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

The weather is heating up and doesn’t look to be showing any signs of cooling off anytime soon. As we start to reach temperatures into the high 90’s it is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both conditions are forms of heat illness and range on a spectrum from not-so-serious to “call 911 immediately”. As the temperature outside goes up, it can cause the temperature in your body to spike as well. Here are some symptoms to be on the lookout for:

Heat exhaustion:

• High body temperature
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Pale skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue

Heatstroke:

• Confusion or agitation
• Hallucination and altered mental state
• Inability to sweat
• Dry, red skin
• Dizziness or fainting
• Slurred speech
• Extremely high body temperature (more than 105 degrees F)
• Seizures

If you notice symptoms of heatstroke, especially neurological symptoms, you need emergency medical treatment ASAP as your body has overheated and is having trouble regulating temperature.

It is important for anyone planning to be outside and active in the heat to be aware of the different symptoms of heat illness and when it is appropriate for medical treatment. Make sure you take plenty of water as dehydration increases your risk. Be ready to take a break or go into the air conditioning to cool off as being outside doing strenuous activity in the heat for too long also increases the chance of heat illness. Heat stroke can come on quickly when it is very hot or you are overexerting yourself. That’s why it is important to begin treatment at the first signs of heat exhaustion.