How Is Heat Exhaustion Different from Heat Stroke?
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious heat-related illnesses, but they differ in severity and the body’s response. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes overheated and dehydrated but is still able to cool itself through sweating and other mechanisms. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to dangerous levels (typically above 104°F or 40°C), and the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, leading to damage to internal organs.
In heat stroke, sweating may stop altogether, and the skin becomes hot and dry, unlike the clammy skin seen in heat exhaustion. Other key differences include the development of more severe symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even coma. While heat exhaustion can usually be treated with rest, fluids, and cooling measures, heat stroke requires immediate medical intervention, as it can be life-threatening. Recognizing the signs of both conditions is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of serious complications.
