Heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Identifying the symptoms
Share and Follow


SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Walking out in the heat may be avoidable if you work at an office with AC or remotely, but for some, the risk of a heat stroke follows them throughout the day.

It’s a sunny day and you have been walking all day, so you feel tired. There’s sweat rolling down your forehead and you have a headache. The last meal you had was four hours ago and you have not had a sip of water. Your skin feels clammy and your limbs weak. You think about grabbing a bite, but you suddenly feel nauseated; as if you’re about to throw up.

Are those symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion?

During extreme heat, your body goes into cooling mode. While heat exhaustion is less severe than a heat stroke, if untreated, it can turn into a heat stroke and have severe consequences to your health. Sometimes, permanently.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, headaches, heavy sweating, extreme thirst, weakness and nausea. This occurs when your body loses excessive water and salt.

The best way to treat this is by moving to a cooler environment, change to looser clothing, apply a cool wet cloth or cold compress. If you can, sit in a cool bath and drink sips of water slowly.

Where you apply a cold compress also matters:

Pulse points are areas in your body where your blood vessels are closer to your skin, making them more effective placements when cooling off with a cold compress. These areas include your inner thighs, the inside of your elbows and knees, the top of your feet, your temple and the front of your ear.

The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends seeking immediate medical attention if the person vomits, their symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Heat strokes occur when your body cannot cool itself enough through sweat. Symptoms include throbbing headaches, confusion, slurred speech, body temperature above 103 degrees, strong pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness.

In this scenario, NWS recommends calling 911 immediately as heat strokes are severe medical emergencies and awaiting treatment can be deadly. Do not provide liquids to someone suffering from a heat stroke.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

“Tennessee Anticipates Challenges with Possible K-12 Federal Funding Reductions”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new task force formed to prepare the…

Australia Changes Policy, Prohibits YouTube Access for Kids Under 16

MELBOURNE – The Australian government announced YouTube will be among the social…

As US Navigates Tensions with China, Taiwan’s President Cancels US Stopover

WASHINGTON – The Taiwanese government has called off a plan for its…

Preventing and Managing Heat-Related Illnesses: Essential Tips and Preparation Strategies

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — With higher temperatures, heat illnesses are becoming more…

Family of Tampa teen who collapsed on football field uses tragedy to bring awareness

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — This week’s high temperatures brought back traumatic memories…

More Than 250 Lowcountry Teachers Benefit from Free School Supplies

BLUFFTON, S.C. () — In its annual school staff appreciation brunch, the…

'We know where you all live': Man charged after threatening 4 Treasure Island commissioners

TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — An Indian Rocks Beach resident has been…

How Might the Reduced Chatham Area Transit Millage Rate Affect Services?

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a…