Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Definition
Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats in hot temperatures. If not treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is more severe and can be life-threatening.
Causes
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused when the body cannot cool itself. This can happen due to:
- A very hot environment
- Heavy activity
- Too little fluid and salt intake
Risk Factors
Heat exhaustion is more common in young children and older adults.
Things that raise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are:
- Being outside in hot weather for a long time
- Little or no air conditioning
- Problems with learning, behavior, or mental illness
- Alcohol and street drugs
-
Certain medicines, such as:
- Antipsychotics and lithium
- Benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines
- Beta-blockers
- Certain blood thinners
- Amphetamines
- Thyroid agonists
Symptoms
Symptoms of
heat exhaustion
may be:
- Temperature over 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) (37.8 °C [degrees Celsius])
- Fast pulse
- Moist skin, sweating
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness, confusion, or headaches
Symptoms of
heat stroke
may be:
- Temperature over 105 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) (40.5 °C [degrees Celsius])
- Weakness, lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures
- Pale, dry skin with no sweating
- Fast breathing or fast heartbeat
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood and urine tests may be done to test body fluids.
Heart activity may be measured. This can be done with an
ECG.
Treatment
Heat Exhaustion
Treatment for
heat exhaustion
includes:
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Giving fluids—by mouth or IV
- Rest
Heat Stroke
Treatment for
heat stroke
includes:
- First aid, such as:
- Removing clothing
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Cooling the person— with cool water, cool spray mist, or fans
- Hospital care, including:
- Giving IV fluids
- Giving medicines
- Monitoring vital signs and organs
Prevention
To help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- Avoid being in high temperatures for long periods of time.
- Drink lots of fluids (including sports drinks) and take rest breaks often.
- During heat waves, stay in the shade, and indoors with air conditioning.
Definition
Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats in hot temperatures. If not treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is more severe and can be life-threatening.
Causes
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused when the body cannot cool itself. This can happen due to:
- A very hot environment
- Heavy activity
- Too little fluid and salt intake
Risk Factors
Heat exhaustion is more common in young children and older adults.
Things that raise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are:
- Being outside in hot weather for a long time
- Little or no air conditioning
- Problems with learning, behavior, or mental illness
- Alcohol and street drugs
-
Certain medicines, such as:
- Antipsychotics and lithium
- Benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines
- Beta-blockers
- Certain blood thinners
- Amphetamines
- Thyroid agonists
Symptoms
Symptoms of
heat exhaustion
may be:
- Temperature over 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) (37.8 °C [degrees Celsius])
- Fast pulse
- Moist skin, sweating
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness, confusion, or headaches
Symptoms of
heat stroke
may be:
- Temperature over 105 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) (40.5 °C [degrees Celsius])
- Weakness, lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures
- Pale, dry skin with no sweating
- Fast breathing or fast heartbeat
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood and urine tests may be done to test body fluids.
Heart activity may be measured. This can be done with an
ECG.
Treatment
Heat Exhaustion
Treatment for
heat exhaustion
includes:
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Giving fluids—by mouth or IV
- Rest
Heat Stroke
Treatment for
heat stroke
includes:
- First aid, such as:
- Removing clothing
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Cooling the person— with cool water, cool spray mist, or fans
- Hospital care, including:
- Giving IV fluids
- Giving medicines
- Monitoring vital signs and organs
Prevention
To help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- Avoid being in high temperatures for long periods of time.
- Drink lots of fluids (including sports drinks) and take rest breaks often.
- During heat waves, stay in the shade, and indoors with air conditioning.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
Hyperthermia
References
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Heat-related illnesses. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/heat-related-illnesses. Accessed January 29, 2021.
O'Connor FG. Sports Medicine: Exertional Heat Illness. FP Essent. 2019;482:15-19.
