Heat Stress vs Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke: Symptoms, Treatment and When to Seek Emergency Care
One of the best parts of summer is enjoying the warmer temperatures sunny days bring. When it starts to really heat up, the risk of heat-related illnesses rises, too. From feeling mildly uncomfortable due to heat intolerance to life-threatening heat stroke, Emily Brodeur, ARNP, UnityPoint Health explains how to recognize the dangerous progression and ways to cool off fast.
Heat Intolerance Symptoms
Heat intolerance means feeling unusually uncomfortable in warm or hot temperatures. However, you’re still at a point where you can peel off a layer of clothing or find a shady spot to cool down.
Symptoms of heat intolerance are typically mild but shouldn’t be ignored. It’s your body’s way of sending cues you’re headed toward heat exhaustion.
Brodeur says, "You're more likely to experience a slightly faster heart rate and nagging headache the longer you’re in the heat.”
Causes of heat intolerance stem from different health conditions. For example, heart problems make it harder for your body to handle heat, especially if you're taking water pills that disrupt your body's electrolyte balance. A thyroid gland that isn't functioning normally, or medicines that aren’t quite right yet, can interfere with how you react to warmer temperatures, as well.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Heat exhaustion means your body is struggling to cool down. You’ll notice more intense symptoms than with heat intolerance. For instance, you might sweat heavily, and your skin could become cool, pale and clammy. Other heat exhaustion symptoms to watch out for include:
- Faster or weak pulse
- Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
- Headache
- Increased tiredness or weakness
- Mild confusion
- More easily irritated
- Muscle cramps
It’s especially important to keep an eye on kids and seniors for signs of heat exhaustion.
Brodeur says, “Young kids and older adults can get much sicker, faster from the heat. Their bodies can’t handle it the same way a healthy, middle-aged adult can.”
How to Treat Heat Exhaustion
The best things you can do for heat exhaustion recovery are to find a shaded area, move into air conditioning or lay down with your feet up. This position improves blood circulation, allowing your body to focus more energy on cooling itself down.
Brodeur says, “Cool compresses or showers help, too, but avoid going from very hot to freezing cold too quickly. Drink plenty of fluids, something with electrolytes like Gatorade or Powerade, since you lose those when you sweat."
How Long Can Heat Exhaustion Last?
The effects of heat exhaustion can last for a day or two. However, if you aren’t feeling better within 30 minutes, go to the emergency room. Heat exhaustion can progress into heat stroke.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. Symptoms include a high body temperature, skin that’s hot, red and either dry or damp, a rapid and strong pulse, confusion, agitation, slurred speech and even loss of consciousness.
Brodeur says, “The body stops sweating, and you might notice or feel goosebumps. Your arms and legs are cool, while your core is hot.”
Heat stroke symptoms are always a medical emergency, especially in kids and older adults.
Brodeur says, “In children, their tummy will feel hot to the touch, but their arms and legs might be cooler. You might notice a mottled appearance on their hands and feet, too. In infants, look for a sunken soft spot on the top of their head, fewer wet diapers or less urination. They will show signs of lethargy, as well — appearing limp and less responsive than normal.”
The health effects of heat stroke can last even after your initial recovery. If you don’t get electrolytes and fluids quickly, it puts extra strain on the heart and makes it harder for your kidneys to work properly. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it is for these organs to get back to normal.
How to Avoid Heat Stroke
Set yourself up for safe experience in the sun this summer. Follow these tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Apply a cool cloth to your skin.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Find out if your medications put you at increased risk for heat stroke.
- Know the symptoms of everything from heat stress to stroke, so you can act quickly if you, or someone with you, is affected.
- Limit your time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Take frequent breaks if you’re doing something active.
- Wear lightweight clothing that’s loose-fitting, too.
Always keep an eye on children, older adults and people with health conditions in extreme temperatures.
How to Treat Heat Stroke
"While it’s important to keep kids and older adults hydrated, never force fluids, especially if someone is vomiting, confused or semi-conscious. In those cases, call 911 immediately,” Brodeur says
“Ice packs are also helpful on areas where the body cools down fastest, like the armpits, groin and neck. Applying cold there lowers the temperature more effectively than just the forehead. If someone is overheating and losing consciousness, removing shoes and hats also helps the body release heat faster."
If you’re concerned about your risk for heat-related illness because of medications you’re taking, health conditions or other factors, talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay cool.