Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion: How to spot the difference and how to treat
As Pensacola continues to see triple-digit heat indexes, various health organizations remind residents that heat is not just a nuisance.
With hot weather, the chance of heat stroke and heat exhaustion increase. So what's the difference, and how do I spot the symptoms?
Here's everything you need to know about heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion, according to the Center for Disease Control, is the body's response to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating.
Other causes include exposure to high temperatures, particularly with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity.
Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion will quickly lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion symptom can either begin suddenly or progress over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise.
Heat exhaustion symptom include:
Cool and/or moist skin with goose bumps while in the heat
Heavy sweating
Faintness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weak and rapid pulse
Low blood sugar upon standing
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache
How to treat heat exhaustion
If you believe you have heat exhaustion or are exhibiting its symptoms, stop all activity immediately and rest. The Mayo Clinic recommends moving to a cooler place and drinking cool water or sports drinks.
If symptoms worsen or do not improve within one hour, contact your doctor.
What is heat stroke?
If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, the most serious form of heat injury.
Heat stroke occurs if your internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees or more. Left untreated, heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles, potentially leading to death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Heat stroke symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of heat stroke:
Core body temperature of 104 degrees as measured by a rectal thermometer
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures or coma
Skin that feels hot and dry to the touch
Nausea and vomiting
Flushed skin
Rapid and shallow breathing
Racing heart
Throbbing headache
How to treat heat stroke
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention.
If you believe someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should immediately call 911. Then you should get the person into shade and remove excess clothing.
The Mayo Clinic says to cool the person suffering from heat stroke with "whatever means available," such as a garden hose, sponge with cool water, cool tub of water or placing icepacks on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Heat stroke symptoms vs heat exhaustion symptoms: What's the difference?
