Heat-related illnesses: Heat Exhaustion Vs Heat Stroke

Extremely high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are known as heat-related illnesses or hyperthermia.

Heat exhaustion happens when a person’s body suffers from high temperatures. If heat exhaustion happens over a long period, the situation may worsen into a heat stroke, which can cause death if not treated.

This post will discuss everything you need to know about these conditions, the first aid measures, and how to prevent them.

Who is at Risk of Heat-related Illnesses?

Though anybody can feel the effects of high temperatures, some groups are more vulnerable than others.

Those high-risk groups include:

  • Kids under 4 years
  • Grownups beyond 65
  • The mentally disabled
  • People with diabetes
  • Those suffering from heart conditions

People living in metropolitans may also suffer heat stress because roads and houses absorb heat during the day and release it during the night, causing extreme temperatures.

Other high-risk groups are those taking specific medicines such as:

  • Antidepressants
  • Ecstasy
  • Supplements
  • Blood pressure prescriptions,
  • LSD

That being said, let’s go through the stages of heat-related diseases, how they can affect your health, and the first aid interventions.

Phases of Heat-related illnesses

Heat-related diseases or hypothermia come in two phases namely:

  • Heat exhaustion, and
  • Heat stroke

Heat exhaustion happens when a person’s body suffers from high temperatures. If heat exhaustion happens over a long period, the situation may worsen into a heat stroke, which can cause death if not treated.

Heat-related illnesses: What is Heat Exhaustion?

This is a hyperthermia condition triggered by exposure to extreme temperatures. It is also known as heat stress.

Heat exhaustion comes with dehydration and is often caused by low levels of body water or salt. If it happens when a person’s body suffers high temperatures. If heat exhaustion happens over a long period, the situation may worsen into a heat stroke, which can cause death if not treated.

During extreme temperatures, one can sweat lots of water over a long period. Remember, the water you sweat comes from blood plasma. When temperatures go a notch higher, blood vessels swell allowing blood to flow in. In essence, sweat glands transport the plasma to the skin surface via two processes; evaporation and cooling.

The situation escalates as the victim continues with vigorous activity. During this process, the muscles at work compete for blood, leaving little to none for cooling purposes.

At first, this can result in fainting because the body cannot determine the appropriate blood pressure to transport blood to the brain. Other times, victims of extremely high conditions faint not during the vigorous activity, but soon after they cease for a rest.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

It’s important to administer immediate first aid to victims of heat stress as prolonged exposure can escalate to life-threatening situations. Below are some signs of heat stress or exhaustion due to extreme temperatures:

  • Passing out
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dark urine due to dehydration
  • Lethargy
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache

Other times, the victim may feel nauseated or even vomit.

How to Remedy Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when a person’s body suffers from high temperatures. If heat exhaustion happens over a long period, the situation may worsen into a heat stroke, which can cause death if not treated.

If you notice these signs follow these steps to rescue the victim:

  • Relocate the casualty to a cooler location and let them rest.
  • Supply them with plenty of water and fluids. (Do not provide alcoholic or caffeinated drinks)
  • Take out any tight-fitting or extra garments to allow their bodies to cool off.
  • If you can access a bathtub or shower, help the victim take a cold bath.
  • You can also try a wet piece of cloth or turn on a fan to control the temperatures.

These steps should trigger a recovery in as soon as 15 minutes. If the symptoms persist, dial 911 as the condition may escalate to a heat stroke.

Learn more about heat stroke, its symptoms, and how to administer first aid to its victims.

Heat-related illnesses: What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a hyperthermia condition that happens when a person’s body is exposed to milder heat illnesses, like heat stress, over a long span. In the worst cases, victims of heat stroke go into a coma and lose their lives.

One is said to have heat stroke if they have an extremely high core body temperature. It is triggered by a failure in the body’s temperature control mechanism. In essence, the body fails to release the heat it absorbs. The condition is severe and can affect the nervous system.

Heat stroke starts when internal organs are deprived of blood. With limited oxygen supplies, no glucose to break down, and no transportation of body wastes, bacteria may get their way into the blood, compromise the digestive tract and cause excessive swelling.

Even worse, it could alter a person’s consciousness, get them into a coma, and cause death.

Effects of heat stroke

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heat strokes come with varied effects on different body parts. The magnified symptoms and mental effects are perhaps its most distinguishing factor. Dial 911 if the casualty shows the following signs:

  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea, which may cause vomiting
  • Hot skin
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dilated blood vessels to get rid of excess heat
  • Excessive muscle cramping
  • Passing out
  • Acting confused
  • Fast-beating heart
  • It may cause seizures in kids
  • The casualty may breathe faster
  • One may go unconscious

Though this condition requires the attention of EMS experts, bystanders can still administer first aid to improve the victim’s condition.

First Aid for Heat Stroke

The first step is to call 911 if you notice the symptoms of heat stress worsening into heat stroke. After calling EMS services, administer the following first aid steps:

  • Relocate the casualty to a low-temperature surrounding
  • Take off any tight-fitting and extra garments
  • Dip the casualty in cold water until it covers their chest. Take them out of the water as soon as they recover.
  • In the absence of water, you can fan the casualty.
  • Apply ice packs or anything from the freezer to the casualty’s neck, armpits, back, and thighs.

The victim may show signs of heat sensitivity a week after recovering from heat illnesses. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid hot weather and extreme exercise for as long as your doctor advises.

How to Prevent Heat-related Illnesses

During extreme temperatures, one can sweat lots of water over a long period. Remember, the water you sweat comes from blood plasma. When temperatures go a notch higher, blood vessels swell allowing blood to flow in. In essence, sweat glands transport the plasma to the skin surface via two processes; evaporation and cooling.

When temperatures are extreme, it’s advisable to stay in a ventilated environment. If you choose to go outside, safeguard yourself from heat stroke by following these steps:

  • Take more and more fluids. To stay hydrated, it is advisable to take 8 or more glasses of water, or natural juice every day. Since hyperthermia can result from low salt reserves, it makes more sense to give an athlete water instead of an energy drink.
  • Put on light, brightly colored, well-fitting attire, and a sun-blocking hat.
  • Apply sunscreen with a strong ray protection factor.
  • Be extra cautious when doing any vigorous activity outdoors. Always take plenty of water or energy drinks right before embarking on your activities. Lastly, remember to take plenty of water during the activity even if you are not thirsty.
  • Carry forward or cancel the activity. Sometimes, it makes more sense to schedule vigorous work for the coolest hours, i.e., either in the wake of dawn or after sunset.
  • Monitoring the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-colored urine.
  • Measuring your weight before and after physical activity. Monitoring lost water weight can help you determine how much fluid you need to drink.

Do not use liquids carrying alcohol and caffeinated liquids because they can cause dehydration and escalate heat-related conditions.

A Final Word on Heat Strokes

Heat exhaustion happens when a person’s body suffers from high temperatures. If heat exhaustion happens over a long period, the situation may worsen into heat stroke, which can cause death if not treated.

To avoid heat exhaustion and potential stroke, be extra cautious when doing any vigorous activity under high temperatures. Always take breaks to allow your body time to cool off.

Also, remember to take plenty of water or energy drinks right before embarking on your activities. Lastly, enroll in a first aid training course to save other victims of heat stress.