Health Library · General Health

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion symptoms

Overview

Heat exhaustion (feels awful but sweating, mentating normally) can progress to heat stroke (confused, temperature >104°F, may stop sweating) — a medical emergency.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps
  • Heat stroke: confusion, high temperature, dry hot skin, fast heart rate, fainting

Treatment

Move to cool area, remove excess clothing, cool with water and fans, hydrate. Heat stroke: 911, aggressive cooling (ice bath if available).

When to book a visit

This is time-critical. 911 for heat stroke.

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