Know Your Body - Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

August is generally the hottest month of the year, and it’s important to know your body even before signs of heat exhaustion – or even worse – heat stroke sets in. Dehydration can set in quickly before a person may even notice, and seniors are especially susceptible to heat issues. We encourage everyone to be vigilant in hydrating, starting early in the morning and making sure to quench the body throughout the day – water is always best! Be sure to hydrate BEFORE you feel thirsty and keep outdoor activities to early morning before the heat gets too bad.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are important to understand, especially during the dog days of summer. Here is a breakdown on the differences between the two and what you need to know:

Heat Exhaustion:

· Symptoms:

Heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, fatigue, and excessive thirst.

· Mental Status:

Usually, the person remains conscious and alert, though they may feel confused or dizzy.

· Severity:

While concerning, heat exhaustion is not usually an emergency and can often be treated by cooling down and rehydrating.

· Progression:

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke:

· Symptoms:

High body temperature (above 104 degrees), hot, dry, or red skin (though sweating may be present in some cases), confusion, altered mental state (delirium, seizures, loss of consciousness), and rapid heart rate.

· Mental Status:

Confusion, disorientation, seizures, and loss of consciousness are key indicators of heat stroke and require immediate medical attention.

· Severity:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to organ damage and even death if not treated promptly.

· Treatment:

Requires immediate medical attention, including rapid cooling measures and potentially hospitalization.

Key Differences Summarized:

· Mental Status:

Heat stroke involves altered mental status (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness), while heat exhaustion usually does not.

· Body Temperature:

Heat stroke is characterized by a dangerously high body temperature (over 104 degrees), while heat exhaustion involves a less severe increase.

· Severity:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, while heat exhaustion can often be managed with less urgent measures.