Heat Exhaustion Vs Heatstroke Whats The Difference - Video

Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke Whats the Difference Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions They are types of heat illnessmedical conditions that result from the bodys inability to control its core body temperature after exposure to high temperatures and dehydration fluid loss with insufficient replacement rnrn It is important to know that while heat exhaustion isnt as severe as heatstroke it shouldnt be taken lightly because it can easily progress to heatstroke rnrn Heat exhaustion causes general muscle weakness excessive sweating nausea vomiting and headache rnrn Heatstroke occurs when the bodys internal temperature reaches degrees Fahrenheit or higher and a person has changes in consciousness and behavior sweats excessively and experiences nausea andor vomiting rnrn Symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heatstroke should be taken seriously It is also important to understand what type of symptoms you are experiencing and how to prevent them This article will discuss heat exhaustion vs heatstroke including symptoms causes risk factors treatment and prevention rnrnVerywell Theresa Chiechirnrn Heat exhaustion occurs after a person has been exposed to high temperatures and is experiencing dehydration rnrn According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC the most common signs of heat exhaustion are rnrn Additional symptoms might include dark yellow urine a result of dehydration and confusion rnrn Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat illness and is considered a medical emergency It often occurs after milder heat illnesses including heat cramps heat syncope fainting and heat exhaustion It can also occur in people who have no previous signs of heat illness rnrn Heatstroke results when there is prolonged exposure to high temperatures in combination with dehydration This leads to a failure in the bodys internal temperature control Heatstroke often but not always occurs when the bodys temperature reaches degrees rnrn Having that high core body temperature affects the central nervous system causing the following symptoms rnrn One study showed an average of over cases of heat illness per summer seen by emergency departments in the United States The study showed about of the people affected were admitted to the hospital an average of per year and there were an average of deaths per year rnrn The causes of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are similar The leading cause of both conditions is the bodys inability to cool itself due to hot weather exercise or both rnrn Additional causes are dehydration alcohol use and overdressing rnrn When your bodys internal temperature is not regulating correctly your body can become unable to cool itself Being in a hot environment can lead to a rise in your core body temperature after exposure to hot and humid weather for a long period This is most common in older adults and people with chronic conditions rnrn Strenuous activity can increase the bodys core temperature especially if you exercise or work outside in hot weather or a hot room This often affects people not used to high temperatures or who are not staying hydrated in hot areas rnrn Dehydration refers to the absence of sufficient fluids in the body Heat exposure combined with dehydration often leads to heat illness rnrn Drinking alcohol when out in high temperatures can lead to the body not being able to regulate its body temperature Alcohol combined with hot temperatures can also lead to dehydration This is because alcohol is a diuretic and in combination with heat it can cause you to lose body fluids through sweating and urination rnrn It is important to wear clothing that is suitable for extreme heat Clothing weights fabrics and even color affect sun penetration and how well air circulates over your skin allowing for sweat to evaporate When sweat cannot evaporate from the skin body temperature increases rnrn Anyone can experience heat exhaustion but certain risk factors can make some groups of people more vulnerable to heat exhaustion rnrn Infants young children and older adults are at an increased risk for heat exhaustion This is because of their inability to regulate their body temperatures They are also more likely to become easily dehydrated when out in the heat rnrn Some medications can increase your risk for heat exhaustion This is because they can cause dehydration Examples of medications that increase the risk for heat exhaustion are those used to treat migraines allergies bipolar disorder seizures and high blood pressure rnrn People who are affected by excess weight might be at an increased risk for heat exhaustion This is because obesity and related health conditions such as diabetes affect the way the body regulates its core temperature Being overweight can als