Doctor explains key differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion

As Britain basks in the sun and more sweltering sunshine is on the way, the persistently warm weather brings its perils.

Such sustained heat in the UK could lead to more people getting heat stroke or heat exhaustion due to increased sun exposure.

But what exactly are the differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Read on below as a doctor reveals the key differences between the two conditions and what to do if you suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

1. Heat exhaustion is a mild illness, but heat stroke is a medical emergency

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused by your body being exposed to too much heat. It is possible to get sick both indoors and outdoors – even if it is not sunny.

Dr. Ann Nainan explains that heat exhaustion is usually a milder illness than heat stroke, but if not treated properly, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

Dr. Nainan said heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats.

It tries to cool down by sweating and your urine becomes more concentrated – to retain water – making you more thirsty.

With this in mind, anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should take extra fluids, such as water or an isotonic sports drink.

If your body fails to get rid of the extra heat, your body temperature rises to between 38 and 40 degrees, she explained.

Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately.

2. Heat stroke occurs when your body temperature rises above 40C

If a person contracts heat exhaustion, it is usually a milder illness than heatstroke that does not require urgent medical attention.

Dr. However, Nainan cautioned that if heat exhaustion isn’t treated properly, it could lead to heat stroke.

She shared that – while heat exhaustion occurs when your body temperature is between 38C and 40C – heat stroke strikes when it goes above 40C.

This can damage organs such as your lungs, kidneys, and liver. If left untreated, it can be fatal. It can happen during heat waves or long periods of very hot weather.

In addition, heat stroke is a form of heat stroke.

The symptoms and risks are the same, but it only happens from exposure to too much direct sunlight, such as falling asleep in the sun.

3. Heat stroke can occur when someone has hot skin but does not sweat

Advice on the NHS website also points out another important difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, in regards to sweating.

It says that people with heat exhaustion can sweat excessively, while people with heat stroke can have hot skin without sweating.

If someone you know has heat stroke, call 999.

You should also place them in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you wait for help.

Some people — such as children, the elderly, and those with long-term health problems (such as diabetes or heart problems) — are more at risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Therefore, they need to be extra careful in hot weather to make sure they don’t suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should take extra fluids, such as water or an isotonic sports drink (File image)

4. Signs of heat stroke may include seizures, seizures, or loss of consciousness

Another important differentiator between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is the more severe effects of the latter on an individual.

If a person with heat exhaustion is treated correctly and their illness does not progress to heat stroke, they should begin to feel better within 30 minutes.

Indicators of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, fatigue, headache, or someone who is physically ill.

Signs of heat stroke, on the other hand, are more serious, as they can take the form of someone having a seizure, seizure, or loss of consciousness.

Tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke include drinking more cold drinks, especially if you are active or playing sports, wearing light-colored, loose clothing, avoiding the sun between 11 a.

m. and 3 p.m., and not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.