The difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke explained
With temperatures forecast to climb to 36°C (97°F) in parts of the UK, heat health alerts are once again in place—and for many people, it will mean more than an uncomfortable few days.
Heat stress occurs when the human body generates heat faster than it can lose it, with sweating and increased blood flow to the skin serving as primary defenses. However, these mechanisms have limits, and when heat becomes excessive, they can fail, leading to either heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are often confused, but they differ significantly in severity and symptoms.
Heat exhaustion is a milder condition where the body struggles to maintain its core temperature, typically around 37°C (99°F), but does not reach dangerously high levels. Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and cramps. Dehydration often accompanies heat exhaustion due to significant fluid and salt loss through sweat.
Recovery usually involves prompt cooling, rest, and rehydration. In contrast, heatstroke is a much more severe and dangerous condition characterized by a failure in the body's temperature regulation system. Core temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), and neurological impairments such as confusion, collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness can occur.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate cooling and professional medical care, as it can cause permanent damage to the brain and other organs and may be fatal without prompt treatment. Despite common misconceptions, temperature readings alone are not sufficient to diagnose heatstroke, as they may not accurately reflect the core temperature.
Instead, healthcare providers should consider the entire clinical picture, including symptoms and the person's overall condition.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
