What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body becomes unable to cool itself. Heat stroke can occur because of high external temperatures, or it can occur due to internal conditions such as high fever, certain medications, and certain medical conditions.

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. It can occur when your body overheats and you don’t sweat enough to cool down.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a type of heat illness that occurs when your body overheats due to strenuous activity or being in a hot environment. It happens when the body’s internal temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). A person with heat exhaustion has a fast heartbeat, may be pale and sweaty, and may have mild nausea, vomiting and headache. Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when your body is unable to cool itself properly. It can be caused by spending too much time in the sun or other hot environments, or exercising in a hot environment for too long.

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to losing large amounts of water and salt. It’s caused by sweating a lot in hot, humid weather. You may also get heat exhaustion if you exercise or work in a hot environment without replacing fluids and salt lost through sweat.

When you sweat, you lose more than just water. You also lose salt — sodium chloride — which your body needs to keep the right balance of fluids inside and outside your cells. A lack of sodium chloride causes blood volume to drop, which can lead to fainting, lightheadedness and confusion.

Heat exhaustion is more common in older adults because they’re less likely to tolerate heat well. They’re also more likely to have medical conditions that can make them more prone to heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion is different from heatstroke, which is much more serious and requires immediate medical attention.

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
• Sweating, clammy skin
• Heavy fatigue — sudden tiredness after minimal activity
• Body temperature of 101 F (38 C) or higher
• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating (not all the time)
• Headache
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle cramps

The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• A high body temperature (above 103°F)
• A flushed face
• Dry skin and mucous membranes (mouth, nose, vagina)
• Rapid pulse and breathing (tachycardia)
• Confusion and coma

Causes of Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. It occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness, but it can lead to heat stroke if not treated.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature control system fails and body temperature increases rapidly. The body can no longer sweat enough to cool itself, so heatstroke can quickly become life-threatening.

Heat exhaustion occurs when you’ve lost too much fluid, have stopped sweating and have gained some weight loss (which may be significant if you’ve been vomiting).

If you think you are suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion:

Move to a cool place immediately and lie down with feet raised.

Drink water or electrolyte drinks that contain salt and sugar. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine because they can make you feel worse. Stop drinking fluids if you start vomiting again (this means you need medical attention).

Common causes of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include:

• Exposure to high temperatures for too long
• Exhaustion from heavy physical activity in the heat (such as hiking or working outdoors)
• Too much alcohol consumption before or during exposure to high temperatures

Risk factors of Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result from being exposed to high temperatures for too long. The human body can only withstand a certain amount of heat before it starts shutting down. If you don’t get proper treatment for heat exhaustion, it can progress into heat stroke and lead to death.

Some of these risk factors include:

Age: Young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of heat-related illness than others.

Dehydration: Not drinking enough water increases your risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Even mild dehydration can increase your body temperature by one or two degrees Fahrenheit, which increases your risk of getting sick. If you’re sweating a lot and aren’t drinking enough water, you may need to replace electrolytes such as sodium through sports drinks or other sources (check with your doctor).

Excessive exercise: Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on the body because it has to work harder to maintain its normal temperature — which is why people get overheated during exercise in the first place. When exercising in extreme heat, it’s especially important to avoid overdoing it so that your body won’t have to work so hard at cooling itself down afterward.

Treatment for Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion?

The treatment for both conditions includes stopping activity immediately and getting out of the heat or sun; removing or loosening clothing; fanning the person to promote cooling; applying cold packs or towels to armpits and groin; giving sips of water if he or she is conscious; calling 911; and administering CPR if needed.

When is it an emergency for Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion?

If you suspect someone has heat stroke:

Call 911

Move the person to a cool place. Get them out of direct sunlight and into an air-conditioned building or shady spot if possible. Remove unnecessary clothing, drench skin with cool water and fan or mist them with cool spray (mist a towel or bag with water). Apply ice packs to armpits, neck and groin areas; do not put ice directly on skin.

Try to give the person fluids if they are conscious. If they are unconscious, don’t give anything by mouth.