The Difference Between Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Over all the summer of 2019's been unseasonably cool in the Treasure Valley, but as we roll into late July we're getting our first taste of triple digit heat.

Monday's high is 101º and most of this week is expected to stay in the upper 90s. If you're planning on spending time outdoors, have kids playing outside or older teens doing conditioning for their fall sports, this is the time of the year you want to keep an eye out for symptoms of heat related illnesses.

According to the CDC, an average of 618 people die every year from heat related illness. The two most common heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's important to know the difference between the two because one you can often treat yourself (heat exhaustion) and one is considered a medical emergency (heat stroke.) Here are some red flags you need to look out for if you start feeling yucky or if you notice your child starts to act a little strange.

Heat Exhaustion

Feeling faint or dizzy
Excessive sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, weak pulse
Muscle Cramps
Excessive thirst
Fatigue
Headache

Heat Stroke

Throbbing headache
No sweating
Body temperature above 103º
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, strong pulse
May lose consciousness
Confusion
Seizure

According to Beaumont Health, this is how you should proceed if you or your child are exhibiting the symptoms mentioned above.

Heat Exhaustion Treatment

Hydrate with water or sports drinks (I actually drink Pedialyte to help replace electrolytes because it's less sugary than sports drinks. I'll throw a tablet of Nuun in the water I sip on throughout the day too. It's a hydration product that adds electrolytes to your water. You can find them in the pharmacy area at Albertsons, near the checkout at Whole Foods or any of the running shops in the Treasure Valley.)
Lie down in a cooler, air-conditioned place
Take a cool shower or use cold compress
Remove tight layers of clothing
If vomiting continues, seek medical attention
Treat ASAP; Left untreated heat exhaustion can become heat stroke