As warmer weather occurs, we tend to spend more time outside under the hot sun. It's important to know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these two conditions could save your life or that of a loved one.
Symptoms related to heat stroke or heat exhaustion can be very serious. Developing muscle cramping may be the first indication that you are developing a heat-related illness. Other symptoms include:
A heat stroke can be much more serious that heat exhaustion.
The main cause of a heat-related illness is your body's inability to cool itself. Sweat is your body's natural tool for cooling you down. If you overexercise or work strenuously in hot weather or a heated room, your body may have difficulty producing enough sweat to keep you cool.
Other causes of heat exhaustion include:
If you are experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly if it is very hot or you are overexerting yourself. That's why it's important to begin treatment at the first signs of heat exhaustion.
Certain factors can increase your risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, though anyone can develop either condition.
The following factors can increase your risk for heat sensitivity:
Seek medical attention immediately if you believe you're having a heat stroke. Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose heat exhaustion or heat stroke based on your symptoms, but they may decide to run tests to confirm the diagnosis or check for complications:
If you begin experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, try to find a cooler location if possible. For example, if you are outside, look for a shady area. If you are indoors, remove a layer of clothing or turn on the air conditioning.
You may also want to lie down, or if that isn't possible, stop doing any strenuous activities. That may help your body regulate temperature.
Drink water or a sports drink to help rehydrate yourself. Sports drinks have electrolytes, which your body loses through excessive sweating.
If you have become nauseated or vomit, seek help from a medical doctor right away.
A heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. Call your local emergency services immediately if you suspect that you're having a heat stroke.
Your doctor may place you in a bath of cold ice water to lower your temperature quickly. They may also mist your skin with water, pack you in ice packs, or wrap you in a special cooling blanket. If the coldness causes you to shiver, your doctor may give you medications to stop the shivering. This might increase your body temperature.
With treatment, you can fully recover from heat exhaustion. Early intervention can also stop it from progressing to heat stroke.
Experiencing a heat stroke is an emergency. If left untreated, it can cause damage to your:
Your risk for serious complications, including death, increases the longer treatment is delayed.
One of the main ways to prevent heat-related illness is to keep your body temperature cooler. This is particularly important when you are working or doing activities outside in the heat or sun.
Here are some prevention tips:
Planning for hot weather activity ahead of time can help reduce your risk of heat-related illness.