Parts of North Texas are under a heat advisory with the triple-digit temperatures in the days ahead. While kids will be playing in the spray fountain at Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, there are others who may become victims of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. But what’s the difference between the two?
Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Chief of Emergency Services and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center Dr. Jeffery Metzger explains, “Heat stroke, which is the most serious heat-related disorder, is especially dangerous. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature — the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.”
On the other hand, “heat exhaustion occurs when people are exposed to high temperatures, especially when combined with strenuous physical activity and humidity, and when the body loses fluids and becomes dehydrated. When heat exhaustion elevates, it may result in heat stroke, a life-threatening medical condition occurring when the body’s cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, stops working. The resulting high body temperature causes damage to internal organs, including the brain, and could result in death.”
To help identify the two dangerous conditions, Parkland has provided the CDC signs to look for:
Heat Stroke
- Look for: hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion
- Losing consciousness
- What to do: Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Heat Exhaustion
- Look for: heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache
- Fainting
- What to do: Move to a cool place and loosen clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
- Get medical help right away if:
- You are throwing up
- Your symptoms get worse
Victims of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are not limited to people working or playing outdoors. They can also be the homebound, who are without air-conditioning. If you know of such a person, check on them. It’s gonna be a long, hot summer.