06/23/2025
Know The Difference to Keep Safe
❗Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke❗
🟥Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, and a rapid, but possibly weak, pulse.
Body Temperature: Typically rises, but generally remains below 104°F (40°C).
Mental Status: May include confusion, but it's not persistent or severe.
Treatment: Move to a cool place, drink fluids, and use cooling measures like a cool shower or wet cloths.
Progression: If not treated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
🟥Heat Stroke
Symptoms: High body temperature (104°F or 40°C or higher), altered mental state (confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness), hot, red, and dry or damp skin (depending on the cause), rapid and strong pulse, and possible seizures.
Body Temperature: Rises rapidly to dangerous levels.
Mental Status: Brain dysfunction is a key feature, leading to confusion, disorientation, and potentially seizures or loss of consciousness.
Treatment: Immediate medical attention (call 911) is crucial. Move the person to a cool environment, reduce body temperature with cool cloths or immersion in cool water, and do not give fluids.
Severity: Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to death or permanent disability if not treated promptly.
❗Key Differences Summarized❗
Temperature: Heat stroke involves a significantly higher body temperature than heat exhaustion.
Mental Status: Heat stroke causes brain dysfunction, leading to confusion, altered mental status, and potentially loss of consciousness, while heat exhaustion may cause temporary confusion but not persistent brain dysfunction.
Sweating: In heat stroke (brought on by heat), the skin may be hot and dry, while in heat exhaustion, sweating is usually present.
Treatment: Heat exhaustion can often be managed with self-care measures, while heat stroke requires immediate medical intervention.
