Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, but they differ significantly in severity, symptoms, and the urgency of treatment.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats and loses a large amount of water and electrolytes through excessive sweating. It is generally less severe than heat stroke and can often be managed with rest and hydration. Common symptoms include heavy sweating, cool moist skin with goosebumps, dizziness, faintness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, and a weak rapid pulse. Body temperature is usually elevated but usually does not exceed 104°F (40°C). The person remains conscious and mental status is generally intact. Treatment involves stopping activity, moving to a cooler place, and drinking cool fluids.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the failure of the body's temperature regulation mechanisms, resulting in core body temperature rising above 104°F (40°C). Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Symptoms include hot, dry skin or sometimes moist skin, confusion, altered mental status, loss of consciousness, and cessation of sweating (in classic heat stroke). This condition requires immediate emergency medical attention to avoid permanent damage or death. Rapid cooling and urgent medical intervention are critical.
Aspect| Heat Exhaustion| Heat Stroke
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Severity| Less severe, warning stage| Life-threatening emergency
Body Temperature| Usually < 104°F (40°C)| Always > 104°F (40°C)
Sweating| Profuse sweating| Stops sweating or hot dry skin
Mental Status| Conscious, may feel weak or dizzy| Confused, unconscious
Treatment Urgency| Rest, hydration, cooling| Immediate emergency medical care
In summary, heat exhaustion is a serious but manageable condition with timely treatment, while heat stroke is critical, requiring urgent medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death.
