Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke


Jul 6, 2022

 by Briana Gutierrez
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This long holiday weekend is another reminder that summer is really here! No need to pinch ourselves, the cold weather is really over! (for now ðŸ˜‰)

With temperatures rising and everyone getting outside, we here at Rock Solid Health want to remind you all of the differences, and how to spot, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Both of these are serious conditions and require immediate care, but first, let's jump into the differences and how to identify the two.

Heat Exhaustion can present itself in a few different ways

  • excessive sweating
  • faintness/dizziness
  • muscle cramps
  • cool, pale an clammy skin
  • rapid, weak pulse

What to do when someone has Heat Exhaustion

  • move the person experiencing symptoms to a cooler area
  • loosen clothing
  • sip cool water
  • seek medical health if improvements don't improve

If Heat Exhaustion is left untreated it can develop into Heat Stroke. Here's what this can look like

  • no sweating
  • throbbing headache
  • rapid, strong pulse
  • throbbing headache
  • nausea or vomitting
  • may lose consiousness

What to do if someone has Heat Stroke

  • CALL 911
  • move to cooler area
  • loosen clothing/remove extra layers
  • cool with water or ice

Be careful not to cool off yourself or others too quickly by offering them ice water to drink. This can do more harm than good!

 

Getting fresh air and sunshine feels amazing and we encourage you to enjoy everything summer has to offer.

Have fun and be careful out there. And don't forget your sunscreen!