Understand Heat Illness at a Glance! Key Symptom Identification and First Aid Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are different stages of heat illness development. If heat exhaustion is not treated promptly, it can very likely worsen into life-threatening heatstroke. Here is a comparison of the core symptoms and differences between the two: • Core Body Temperature: Patients with heat exhaustion usually have a normal or slightly elevated body temperature (typically below 40°C). In heatstroke, the thermoregulatory center malfunctions, causing the core body temperature to soar above 40°C. • State of Consciousness: Patients with heat exhaustion are fully conscious, possibly accompanied by dizziness and weakness. Patients with heatstroke have brain damage and may exhibit mental confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or even coma. • Skin and Sweating: Patients with heat exhaustion sweat profusely, and their skin appears cool, clammy, and pale. Patients with heatstroke (especially the traditional type) often have dry, hot, and red skin due to the inability to sweat (early stages of exertional heatstroke may still involve sweating). • Other Accompanying Symptoms: Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by extreme thirst, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps (heat cramps) due to fluid and salt loss. Heatstroke is accompanied by signs of systemic organ failure, such as a very rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing.