Heat Stroke
- Definition: A life-threatening medical condition caused by the body's inability to regulate its temperature, leading to a rapid rise in core body temperature.
- Symptoms: Fever (typically over 104°F/40°C), confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, hot, dry, and flushed skin.
- Cause: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures (usually in combination with strenuous physical activity or dehydration).
- Treatment: Immediate medical attention, including cooling measures (e.g., ice packs, cold water immersion), and hospitalization.
Heat Stress
- Definition: A physiological response to exposure to elevated temperatures, characterized by an increase in body temperature and sweating.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, and heat rash.
- Cause: Exposure to high temperatures, typically for a shorter duration than heat stroke.
- Treatment: Rest in a cool place, hydration, and avoiding further exposure to heat.
Key Differences:
- Severity: Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency, while heat stress is generally less severe.
- Temperature: Heat stroke involves a rapid and extreme rise in core body temperature, while heat stress causes a more gradual increase.
- Symptoms: Heat stroke typically causes more severe symptoms, including fever, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
- Causes: Heat stroke is often triggered by prolonged exposure to heat and exertion, while heat stress can occur even with short-term heat exposure.
- Treatment: Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, while heat stress can often be managed by rest, hydration, and cooling measures.