The Difference Between Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two heat-related illnesses that are known to affect people of all races and ethnic groups all around the world. It is largely important to know the difference between the two for educating both yourself and others in both preventive action and treatment.  Both heat-related illnesses are due to a disturbance in the body's internal and external temperature regulating system.  Although we often hear reports of such heat-related illnesses on the news during the summer, many viewers do not know the differences between the two, which is dangerous and unfortunate. 

The Mayo Clinic offers helpful information pertaining to heatstroke for internet viewers.  The health professionals define heatstroke as "a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures".  Relating to occupational health and safety, this heat-related illness is most often posed to construction workers.  Heatstroke is the most dangerous and serious form of heat injury, and should be paid close attention to by construction managers. Anytime an individual's body temperature rises over 104 Fahrenheit or higher, they are at serious risk to death.  When untreated, heatstroke can quickly target the brain, kidneys, heart and muscles. Some symptoms associated with heatstroke include: altered mental state, nausea and vomiting,  rapid breathing patterns, headache and alterations in sweating.  As a citizen, knowing these symptoms may allow you to save someone's life.  If these symptoms are noted, the individual needs to be brought into a cool space immediately, all clothes need to be removed and placed in an ice bath other other means of cooling down. 

eMedicineHealth is another informative source of heat-related illness.  Their health experts define heat exhaustion as a condition that occurs when the body overheats and fails to maintain a normal core temperature.  Although both these heat-related illnesses' definitions appear similar, they occur differently and have different symptoms.  Symptoms associated with heat exhaustion include: dizziness, weakness, cramping, fainting, clammy skin, and heavy sweating.  If these symptoms are ignored and heat exhaustion persists, it will develop into a heatstroke.  To treat heat exhaustion, remove the individual from the hot environment and use methods of cooling them down such as: rehydration, cold damp rag on the forehead and fanning them.  Heat exhaustion can occur in anyone, but pregnant women, infants, and elderly patient are at the most risk.  It is also important to not that dogs and cats can experience heat exhaustion if left outside too long on a hot day. 

 Heat exhaustion is a heat-related condition characterized by heavy sweating and heat cramps.  Cooling measures can be taken to treat heat exhaustion to prevent heat stroke.  For example, placing an cold towel on your forehead is an efficient way to treat mild heat exhaustion.  Another example is placing a fan in close proximity to an individual experiencing heat-related symptoms.