Signs Of Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

With our entire coverage area dealing with a Heat Advisory, here are some signs of Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke to be mindful of.

With heat exhaustion, the body temperature is raised, but it’s typically below 104°F. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, headache and fainting. To treat heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, and drink cool fluids. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if not treated.

With heat stroke, the core body temperature is above 104°F. Symptoms include: high body temperature, confusion, delirium, or loss of consciousness, hot, flushed skin (may not be sweating), rapid/strong pulse, rapid/shallow breathing, seizures or fits, loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately! Move to a cooler place, cool the person with ice packs or cool water, and monitor vital signs. Heat stroke can cause organ damage and death if not treated promptly. In essence, heat exhaustion is a warning sign that the body is struggling to cool itself, and if not addressed, it can escalate to the much more dangerous heat stroke.