by Linna Jensen

Created on: November 06, 2008

HEAT causes heatexhaustion and heatstroke. Prolonged exposure to heat, physical work in a hot enviornment, etc. People are different and some tolerate heat better than others. Heat exhaustion is when the person presents with moist, pale and normal to cool to the touch skin. He/she perspires heavily and is often drinking large quantities of water. Muscle cramps may also be present. The person will usually feel tires, dizzy; will have weaker pulse than normal and rapid, shallow breathing.

In heat stroke a person's temperature regulating mechanisms fail and cannot rid itself of the excessive heat. Their skin will be very hot to the touch. This person will usually not sweat anymore as the body's responce to the loss of fluid and salts.

A heat stroke is a true emergency and this person needs immediate medical attention. In most cases there is loss of consciousness.

Heat exhaustion and hear stroke are usually two related conditions. If a person is experiencing heat exhaustion and is not removed from the hot enviornments, it will most likely progress into a heat stroke, which is also a much more serious condition, that may even result in death, if not treated on time. This person needs to be immediately removed from the heat and cooled down in a controlled enviornment (like in the hospital).

Heat stroke is a condition that may affect anybody, but children and the elderly are more proned to it.

More casses of heat stroke have been registered in more humid environments than dry one. This is simply due to the fact that humidity "fools" our bodies into thinking that we can push ourselves a little more.

A person having a heat stroke needs to be actively cooled down. This can be done by applying cool packs to neck, groin and armpits. It is also good to keep the skin wet by applying water by sponge for example. In a heat stroke the pulse will be rapid and full and the person's blood pressure may be low. This is an indication of schock which is an extremely serious medical condition that requires special medical care right away. If the preson has not lost consciousness, chances are he/she will, or will have an altered mental status. There may be seizures.

In any case, both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious emergencies. You can differentiate both by the temperature of the skin. Heat exhaustion - normal to cool and sweaty, heat stroke - hot and dry.

A good rule of thumb is stay in on hot days, drink lots of water and do not over work or over exercise in the heat.

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