Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat related illnesses that can have a serious impact on your health if not addressed. Growing up I worked as a lifeguard at our neighborhood pool for nearly 4 years. Before each summer began every lifeguard was required to attend re-certification classes where, aside from CPR, we were trained in how to handle first aid and how to address heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Thankfully I never encountered an individual undergoing an actual heat stroke but heat exhaustion is something I have had to address.

Heat exhaustion occurs after an individual has been exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time and is often accompanied by dehydration. High humidity or physical activity to someone not used to these conditions increases the likelihood of experiencing this ailment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, and dark-colored urine. Without intervention heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. The best way to treat heat exhaustion is immediately get out of the heat, rest, drink plenty of fluids, take a cool shower or bath, and find other cooling measures such as fans or ice packs.

As I previously mentioned, without intervention heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a much more serious condition and is considered a medical emergency as it can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Although is usually occurs as a progression from a less serious form of heat-related illness, it can strike suddenly especially as result of prolonged physical activity in high temperatures or with dehydration. Heat stroke is quite literally the failure of the body's temperature control system. It can not longer cool itself and internal body temperatures can rise above 105 degrees. It can result in brain damage and complications with the central nervous system within a very short period of time.

The most obvious sign of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees. Other symptoms may include fainting, throbbing headache, dizziness, lack of sweating, red hot and dry skin, muscle weakness, rapid heart rate, rapid shallow breathing, behavioral changes, seizures, and unconsciousness. Unlike heat exhaustion, if you suspect someone is having a heatstroke the first move is to immediately call 911. After calling paramedics you can initiate first aid by moving the individual into an air conditioned environment, remove any unnecessary clothing, and take any action possible to cool down the body temperature. These actions may include a fan over the patient while wetting skin with water, apply ice packs to the patients armpits, groin, neck, and back, and immersing the patient in a shower or tub of cool water or ice.