Save Your Spot
CareWell Urgent Care Logo
Blog

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: Learn the difference and when symptoms are serious

July 19, 2018

Summer has kicked into high gear and with it comes the sweltering, often triple-digit temperatures.  As the mercury continues to climb, it’s important to be aware about the health dangers that accompany prolonged exposure to extreme heat and high temperatures.  According to the CDC, on average, over 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat each year in the United States — more than tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, lightning or any other weather event combined.  The two most common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  As both are dangerous, it’s important to identify the warning signs and to react quickly and appropriately when they arise.

 

What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

You know heatstroke and heat exhaustion are threats to your family, but do you understand the difference?

Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke are caused by exercising in an extremely hot, humid environment where the body becomes dehydrated.  Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke and is a direct result of the body overheating.  The main cause of a heat exhaustion is the body’s inability to cool itself. Sweat is your mechanism to cooling you down. If you strenuously exercise in hot weather or are exposed to long periods of time in extreme temperatures, your body may have difficulty producing enough sweat to keep you cool.  Muscle cramping is typically the first indication of heat exhaustion.  Other typical symptoms include a fever no higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive thirst, nausea, fainting, cool and clammy skin, weakness, and dizziness.

 

A heatstroke can develop following heat exhaustion if the condition is not treated. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises and the cooling system completely stops working. A heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and is characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate, altered mental state and shortness of breath.

 

Treatment

If you begin experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, attempt to locate cooler location immediately.  Obviously discontinue any strenuous activity and lie down if necessary.  Drink plenty of water and sports drinks to hydrate and replace electrolytes. If you have become nauseated or vomit, seek help from medical professional right away.

A heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or a family member is having a heat stroke, seek emergency services immediately.

Care You Can Count On
View All Locations
Our Locations
CareWell Urgent Care building in Cambridge
1400 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building with a sign on the side of the road in Fitchburg
380 John Fitch Highway
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Lexington
58 Bedford Street
Lexington, MA 02420
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Needham
922 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Northborough
333 Southwest Cutoff
Northborough, MA 01532
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Norwell
42 Washington St.
Norwell, MA 02061
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Peabody
229 Andover Street (Rt 114)
Peabody, MA 01960
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in South Dennis
Patriot Square 484 Rte. 134
South Dennis, MA 02660
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Tewksbury
345 Main Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Warwick
535 Centerville Road
Warwick, RI 02886
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Worcester on Greenwood St
348 Greenwood Street
Worcester, MA 01607
Save Your Spot in Line
A CareWell Urgent Care building in Worcester on Lincoln St
500 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Save Your Spot in Line
2024 Emergence Health Holdings. All rights reserved. Website Design by Healthcare Success