Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion

The UK has been hit with a big heatwave this week, which means it’s time for endless BBQs and catching a tan!

But excessive sun and heat can potentially be quite dangerous and we want to ensure you are staying safe while enjoying the rays! Don’t get us wrong, we’re excited about the lovely hot weather too but, in the heat this week, we want to bring your attention to what you should look out for if you begin to feel unwell.

How can we keep cool?

Ensure you are drinking lots of fluids throughout the day as well as wearing loose clothing. Avoid any strenuous activity in the hottest parts of the day, if you want to get out and about, the prime time to do so would be early mornings or later in the evening. Finally, make sure you are wearing sun cream and protecting yourself against sun burn with sunglasses, hats and a cream that is SPF 15 at the very least.

Hot temperatures can cause heat exhaustion which, alone, isn’t too serious, however, if you don’t cool yourself down, it can lead to heat stroke.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat Exhaustion is a condition from overheating combined with other factors such as excessive physical activity in the heat and high humidity.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

·???????A headache

·???????Dizziness

·???????Confusion

·???????Loss of appetite

·???????Nausea

·???????Excessive sweating

·???????Pale or clammy skin

·???????Cramping in arms, legs and stomach

·???????Faster breather

·???????Increased pulse

·???????Temperature of 38C or above

·???????Excessive thirst

If you think you are experiencing heat exhaustion, ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, move to a cooler location and stop the activity you are doing. If your symptoms worsen one hour after taking these steps, you should speak to your doctor straight away.

What is heat stroke?

Heat Stroke can be treated as an emergency and is a very serious condition. Heat Stroke occurs in high temperatures and your body cannot cool its internal temperature down from 40 degrees Celsius, which is dangerous.

Symptoms of heat stroke are:

·???????High body temperature – 40C or above

·???????Altered mental state or behaviour

·???????Nausea and vomiting

·???????Redder or flushed looking skin

·???????Rapid?or shallow breathing

·???????Increased heart rate

·???????Headache

Untreated heat stroke can cause damage to your internal organs, brain and muscles. If treatment is delayed, the more damage that is caused, sometimes even resulting in death.

If you think you or someone you know are experiencing heat stroke, you should get them indoors quickly, remove any excess clothing and try to cool the person down. Seek immediate medical help for treatment.

Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe!