Decoding the differences: Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

It’s the time of year when you’re drenched in sweat just walking from your door to your car. In the heat of a Louisiana summer, it’s important to stay safe. Take time to learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and what to do for each.

Our West Jefferson Medical Center team outlines some steps you can take to stay safe in the heat, as well as warning signs that medical attention is needed.

It’s getting hot out here

We are no strangers to heat and humidity here in Louisiana. Our temperatures typically soar into the upper 80s and 90s late in May and stay there for months.

When it’s particularly hot and humid outside, the body’s normal method for staying cool is not up to the task. Usually when your body temperature is elevated, your body produces sweat to cool it down. When it’s hot and humid, though, you can’t sweat enough to keep your body temperature regulated because sweat evaporates too quickly. That can be uncomfortable—and it can also be dangerous.

The risk of heat-related illness rises as the temperature does, which means it’s common here in Louisiana during late spring, throughout the summer and into the early fall. Be sure to keep an eye on how you’re feeling, particularly if you’re spending an extended amount of time outdoors in hot weather.

There are several different types of heat-related illness, with heat cramps being the least severe. These muscle cramps can occur when you’re sweating excessively, which depletes the body’s fluids.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more serious. Like heat cramps, heat exhaustion occurs when you sweat extensively, depleting the body of water and electrolytes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:

• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Decreased urine output
• Dizziness
• Elevated body temperature
• Fast, weak pulse
• Headache
• Heavy sweating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Thirst
• Weakness

Someone who is experiencing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool place, cooled off using wet cloths or by sitting in a cool bath, and provided water to sip.

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke may include:

• Body temperature of 103 F or higher
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness

While some of the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are similar, there are some distinct differences. Someone with heat stroke will have a strong pulse and hot skin, while someone with heat exhaustion will have a weak pulse and cold skin.

If someone is experiencing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, then move the person to a cool place and apply cool cloths to the body. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Staying safe in the heat

While some time spent outdoors is unavoidable even on the hottest days, you should take precautions to keep yourself cool and healthy.

For one, choose your outdoor times wisely, if possible. Try to avoid time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. If you can’t stay indoors during that time, try to take it easy.

During times you are outdoors, be sure to take regular breaks in an air-conditioned space. You can also take steps to cool yourself down by seeking shade, using fans to provide a breeze and drinking plenty of water. If you’re sweating intensely, consider a sugar-free sports drink to help replenish fluids and electrolytes.

The biggest piece of advice we can give: Listen to your body and slow down if you feel like you’re overdoing it in the heat.

West Jefferson Medical Center is here for all your health needs. If it’s time for a checkup, schedule a primary care appointment today.