Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know As Temperatures Soar

A heatwave is on the way this weekend, which will put more than 30 million people in the Southwest US under severe heat warnings and could even break several temperature records. As temperatures soar around the country now and throughout the summer, there are real health risks that more Americans are susceptible to in the coming weeks and months: Heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very serious illnesses that can result in death. So whether you are indoors without AC, or outside often for work or play — it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to do if it happens to you or someone you are with.

Dr. Eric Adkins, emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, explains below the difference between a heat stroke and heat exhaustion, the signs and symptoms to look for and what you can do to prevent heat-related illness this summer. Read also: Know the Signs of a Heat Stroke And What to Do Immediately If You Overheat

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion

Heat-related illness can strike in several different conditions, according to Mayo Clinic.

Heat stroke can occur if someone is exposed to hot, or hot and humid conditions for prolonged periods of time, long enough to raise someone’s core body temperature to dangerous levels. Any weather conditions with a heat index of 91 degrees or higher is considered a risk factor for heat-related illness, and keep in mind that humidity only adds to the intensity. Heat stroke can also be triggered while doing physical activity or labor in hot conditions.

Factors like dehydration, alcohol consumption, and wearing lots of layers of clothing can make the condition come on faster or more likely to occur. Symptoms of heat exhaustion usually strike before a heat stroke, but heat exhaustion can result in a stroke if not treated soon enough. “The main difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion involves the nervous system in heat stroke. When having heat stroke, patients develop confusion and altered levels of consciousness.

Other examples might be seizures, severe headache or irritability,” Dr. Adkins says.

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Warning signs of heat stroke according to the CDC include:

High body temperature (103 or higher)
Hot, red, dry or damp skin
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Passing out or losing consciousness

If you think you or someone you are near is experiencing a heat stroke, you should call 911 right away. While you wait for medical attention to arrive it’s important that you try to help the person cool off by moving them inside or to a cooler area, or lower their body temperature with a cool bath or cool cloths.

The CDC says it’s important that you do not give someone who may be experiencing a heat stroke anything to drink. That may sound counterintuitive, but you should wait for medical responders to arrive first. If you are unsure whether you or another person is having a heat stroke, it’s best not to take any chances. “If there is any doubt, I recommend getting checked to be sure that their symptoms are not from heat exposure or some other potential emergency,” Dr.

Adkins says. Warning signs of heat exhaustion, according to the CDC:

Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Passing out or fainting

If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, they should immediately try to cool down and apply cold cloths as needed or take a cool bath. They can drink small sips of water, but if the person is throwing up, they should call 911 or go to the hospital.

You should also seek medical attention if the symptoms start to get worse, or lasts longer than one hour.

Children and the elderly are at risk for heat-related illness, so it’s important to make sure they don’t overheat and stay hydrated.

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How to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion

Heat-related illness is totally preventable, especially if you can avoid going outside for long periods during heat waves. “If you have to go outside, try to do it during times earlier or later in the day when the heat may be less severe. Be sure to drink plenty of water if you don’t have any restrictions on water intake from a medical condition, such as chronic heart failure,” Dr. Adkins says.

For those who don’t have AC at home or access to places with air conditioning, the situation is trickier. “If you don’t have access to places with AC, try to use fans for air circulation and you can use cool towels to help the body with allowing heat to escape. Water-soaked towels can help the body eliminate heat and works even better when combined with fans,” Dr. Adkins says.

Who is most at risk?

Knowing who is most susceptible to heat stroke can help you identify it faster, and get help for someone who is in trouble.

Anyone can experience heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures, even if they are indoors and without AC. “The elderly and young children that may not be able to recognize they are overheating or aren’t able to communicate to someone they feel hot are at more risk,” Dr. Adkins says. For this reason, it’s important to watch children closely if they are playing outside in the heat, or if they are inside where there is no access to AC or fans.

Don’t forget that many elderly people are indoors now, and not all of them have AC. “I usually recommend that people try to check on older neighbors without AC during high-heat conditions. It is still possible to stay socially distant and use masks to check on loved ones and neighbors,” Dr.

Adkins says. Besides children and the elderly, other factors can put you more at risk for heat-related illnesses, including consuming alcohol and caffeine, according to Dr. Adkins. “Some medications can also make patients more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as beta blockers for chronic heart failure or blood pressure control,” Dr.

Adkins says.