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As temperatures rise during the summer months, so do visits to Beaumont emergency centers. However, with proper precautions, most heat illnesses can be prevented. The most important things you can do to prevent heat illnesses are to stay hydrated and limit your time in the sun, explains Dr. Sanford Vieder, chairman and medical director of the Emergency Trauma Center at Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills.According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, each year about 400 deaths and thousands of emergency department visits are caused by heat illnesses. While infants and people 65 and older are most at risk for a heat related illness, it can affect anyone, even exercise enthusiasts.The early warning signs of heat exhaustion are nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness. It is imperative to recognize the warning signs and act on them as soon as possible.At the first sign of heat exhaustion, it is important to take the following steps to help get your temperature down and cool your body: Move to an air-conditioned place. Take a cold shower or using cold compresses. Drink plenty of fluids. Remove tight or extra clothing layers.Unlike heat exhaustion, a heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Someone experiencing heat stroke may have a headache, confusion, no sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting and may lose consciousness. If a heat stroke is suspected, it is vital to take the following steps: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Use cold compresses to get their temperature down. Do not give them fluids.Left untreated, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can lead to death. If an individual is confused, passes out, is hot, but not sweating, call 911. This is a medical emergency, says Dr. Vieder.Protect yourself and others by downloading Know the Difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke and be prepared for the summer heat!Medically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO — By Kelli Hansen, RN, CMCN, CSA, CDP — Updated on January 14, 2022SymptomsCausesRisk factorsDiagnosisEmergencyTreatmentOutlookPreventionAs the weather gets warmer, we tend to spend more time outside under the hot sun. Its important to know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating. On the other hand, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when your body is unable to control its internal temperature.Knowing the signs and symptoms of these two conditions could save your life or that of a loved one.Symptoms related to heat stroke or heat exhaustion can be very serious. Developing muscle cramping may be the first indication that youre developing a heat-related illness. Other symptoms include:Keep in mind that heat stroke can be much more serious than heat exhaustion and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.Both heat stroke and heat exhaustion are caused by your bodys inability to cool itself.Sweat is your bodys natural tool for cooling you down. If you overexercise or work strenuously in hot weather or a heated room, your body may have difficulty producing enough sweat to keep you cool. Other causes of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include: dehydrationwearing heavier, tight clothingconsuming alcoholIf youre experiencing heat exhaustion for an extended period of time, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly if its very hot or youre overexerting yourself. Thats why its important to begin treatment at the first signs of heat exhaustion. Certain factors can increase your risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, though anyone can develop either condition.The following factors can increase your risk for heat sensitivity:Age. Infants and children under the age of 4 and adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses. Thats because your ability to regulate temperature is more difficult at these ages.Prescription medications. Some medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions may reduce your ability to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Obesity. Your body retains more heat when you weigh more. It can also be more difficult to cool your body down if you have overweight or obesity.Sudden temperature changes. When you rapidly move from a colder to a warmer climate, like going on vacation in a hotter location, your body may not be able to adjust to the warmer weather. You may have more difficulty regulating your body temperature as a result.A high heat index. Heat index is a measurement that factors in humidity along with the outside temperature to determine how hot it feels to you and your body. If the humidity is high, your sweat evaporates less easily, and you may have a harder time cooling yourself down. If the heat index is greater than 91°F (32.8°C), you should focus on prevention methods.If youre experiencing any symptoms of a heat-related illness, you should take your temperature. A temperature above 100°F (38°C) may indicate heat exhaustion while a temperature above 104°F (40°C) is a sign of heat stroke.Seek medical attention immediately if you believe youre having a heat stroke. Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose heat exhaustion or heat stroke based on your symptoms, but they may decide to run tests to confirm the diagnosis or check for complications:A blood test may be used to check your sodium or potassium levels to help determine if youre dehydrated.A sample of your urine may be taken. Dark yellow urine may be a sign of dehydration.Muscle function tests may be performed.Your doctor runs tests to check your kidney function.X-rays and other imaging tests can be used to determine if you have any internal organ damage.If youre able to cool down within 30 minutes, heat exhaustion isnt typically considered an emergency.But if youre unable to lower your body temperature or if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention:If you begin experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, try to find a cooler location if possible. For example, if youre outside, look for a shady area. If youre indoors, remove a layer of clothing or turn on the air conditioning.You may also want to lie down, or if that isnt possible, stop doing any strenuous activities. That may help your body regulate temperature. Drink water or a sports drink to help rehydrate yourself. Sports drinks have electrolytes, which your body loses through excessive sweating. If youve become nauseated or vomit, seek help from a medical doctor right away. A heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. Call your local emergency services immediately if you suspect that youre having a heat stroke. Your doctor may place you in a bath of cold ice water to lower your temperature quickly. They may also mist your skin with water, pack you in ice packs, or wrap you in a special cooling blanket. If the cold causes you to shiver, your doctor may give you medications to stop the shivering. This might increase your body temperature.With treatment, you can fully recover from heat exhaustion. Early intervention can also stop it from progressing to heat stroke. Experiencing a heat stroke is an emergency. If left untreated, it can cause damage to your: heartkidneysmusclesliverlungsbrainYour risk for serious complications, including death, increases the longer treatment is delayed. One of the main ways to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to keep your body temperature cooler. This is particularly important when youre working or doing activities outside in the heat or sun. Here are some prevention tips:Stay hydrated. Drink two to four cups of water every hour that youre doing activities outside in the heat or direct sun. Your body needs more water than usual when working in a hot environment because youll lose more fluids through sweating.Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages if youre doing strenuous activities, especially in the heat. The caffeine increases your risk for dehydration.On hotter days, try to do more activities inside in a temperature-controlled or air-conditioned environment.Try to avoid doing activities outside during the hottest parts of the day and in direct sunlight.Wear light-colored, loose, lightweight clothing when doing activities outside in the heat. A wide-brimmed hat will keep sun from your face and help you stay cooler.Take cooler baths or showers on a hot day to help cool you down.Take frequent breaks when working or exercising in the heat. This includes activities like hiking or playing sports.Never leave children, infants, adults, or pets in a closed, parked car. The temperature inside a closed car can become very hot, even if the temperature outside is mild. That can lead to heat-related illnesses.Planning for hot weather activity ahead of time can help reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Last medically reviewed on January 14, 2022Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.Jan 14, 2022Medically Reviewed ByEmelia Mimi Arquilla, DOMar 21, 2017ByKelli Hansen, RN, CMCN, CSA, CDPCopy Edited ByConnor Rice

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