With Extreme Heat Forecast this Week, Know the Symptoms and Differences of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

With our forecasted warm temperatures this week, everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is a condition where your body’s temperature rises above a safe level. Unlike a fever, which is your body deliberately turning up the temperature against an invader, heat exhaustion happens when your body’s heat regulation systems stop functioning correctly.

The main cause of heat exhaustion is a combination of physical exertion and a hot environment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Dizziness and/or confusion,
• Dehydration,
• Cramping muscles,
• Nausea and/or vomiting,
• Extreme sweating,
• Pale, clammy skin,
• Headache,
• And rapid heartbeat.

Heatstroke is a severe form of heat exhaustion that happens when your body’s core temperature goes above 104° F. It doesn’t have anything to do with having a stroke other than that both conditions are extremely dangerous and require immediate medical treatment.

It has the same causes as heat exhaustion: hot environments, strenuous physical activity and dehydration. But heat stroke’s consequences are more severe, it can cause permanent organ damage and even death.

Symptoms of heatstroke can include any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, but they also include:

• Flushed red skin,
• Fainting or seizures,
• Shortness of breath,
• And fever of 104° F or greater.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.