Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke: What’s the Difference?
Every summer, thousands of tourists and local residents flock to the beautiful beaches, nature parks, and other seaside attractions in Cape May County, New Jersey, expecting to claim their share of fun in the sun. And every year, some of those sun-worshippers will get too much of a good thing and wind up spending part of their vacation indoors recovering from heat exhaustion or, worse, at the hospital being treated for heatstroke. In fact, according to data compiled by the New Jersey Department of Health, Cape May County easily leads the state’s counties for the number of hospitalizations caused by heat-related illnesses.
Moreover, you don’t have to be outside to experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke. As temperatures climb, people who sit for even a short time in a hot car or spend time indoors without air conditioning may be at risk of experiencing a serious heat-related illness. Infants, young children, and older adults are most likely to be affected, but it can happen to anyone.
So what are the heat-related illnesses you need to watch out for? And how do you know when finding a way to cool down is not just a matter of comfort, but of survival?
Heatstroke Is an Emergency Health Condition
Heatstroke refers to a health condition in which your core body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher as the result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in excessive heat. The first warning signs may resemble those of heat exhaustion, a less serious illness, but heatstroke is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect you or your loved one may have heatstroke, you should call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. While waiting for emergency treatment, make sure to move the affected person out of the sun, remove excessive clothing, and apply cool wet towels to the person’s head, neck, armpits, and groin.
If heatstroke is not treated immediately, it can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Some of the common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and even coma
- Reddened skin that is hot and dry to the touch
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
Heat Exhaustion Can Precede Heatstroke
Like heatstroke, heat exhaustion is the result of the body overheating, either from physical exertion or too much exposure to excessively warm temperatures. Taking certain medications and being inadequately hydrated can make a person more vulnerable. Heat exhaustion is not as serious as heatstroke, but it’s not a condition to take lightly, either. Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness and feeling faint
- Heavy sweating
- Skin that’s cool and moist, possibly with goose bumps
- Low blood pressure upon standing
If you think you may be experiencing heat exhaustion, make sure you move to a cooler place and rest. It’s also a good idea to drink cool water or a beverage that contains electrolytes. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour, you should seek medical treatment.
Residents of and visitors to Cape May County can seek walk-in medical care for heat exhaustion and a wide variety of other non-life-threatening illnesses at Cape Regional Urgent Care. We have three walk-in urgent care clinics conveniently located in Cape May County—at Cape May Court House, Marmora, and Wildwood. All of our clinics are fully staffed so patient wait times are short. We also offer affordable rates and accept many health insurance plans.
Contact us today if you have questions, or simply walk into the Cape Regional Urgent Care location that’s closest to you.
