Difference Between Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke Vs Heat Exhaustion

Especially during warm seasons like summertime, conditions such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very common culprits. For outdoor travelers and adventurers alike, no matter whether it is a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, at least they should know how to prevent themselves from having such. But foremost, it is essential to learn the differences between the two.

Heat exhaustion is often the prologue of a heat stroke. It is the milder condition compared to the latter. When one becomes overly dehydrated most especially when he or she engages in a strenuous activity under the heat of the sun, then it is expected that this person is likely to suffer from a heat exhaustion. From the term itself, heat exhaustion is really a person being exhausted or burned out after the body has released too much sweat but is still not having enough replenishment in the form of fluids, to compensate for those fluid losses. The most noticeable signs or symptoms of the condition are the following: being thirsty, nauseated, feeling headaches or a little light headed, sweating a lot, having some muscle cramps and cooling of the skin.

The initial intervention for someone who is experiencing heart exhaustion is to seek some cover. Especially when exposed under the rash heat of the sun, it is an immediate action to transfer the person to a shadier location; much preferable if there is an air-conditioned room. When the victim is in place, it is ideal to elevate his or her feet a bit and apply some cold compress to the neck or armpit regions. Afterwards, they can steadily take some fluids at the interval of 15 minutes to replenish those lost fluids from the body. Half a cup is just enough.

In the case of a heat stroke, the body can no longer use its normal temperature regulation control because it’s already shut off. Sweating doesn’t help and doesn’t occur anymore. The result is like the body has turned into an erupting volcano (overheating). Because of such, the person can even have comma when left untreated.

Some of the most common signs or symptoms for this condition are as follows: febrile (feverish), the person has become irritable, with flushed skin, overly confused, and eventually fainting. The victim can even have rapid but weak breathing and pulses that can lead to seizures. If these conditions surface, it is integral to seek medical attention immediately.

1. Heat exhaustion usually happens first before a heat stroke
2. Heat exhaustion is a less serious case as compared to heat stroke
3. The person who’s suffering from a heat stroke is a lot hotter than the one who is having heat exhaustion.

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