Summer heat doesn’t just make you uncomfortable — it can become a medical emergency. Most people confuse heat exhaustion with heat stroke, but the difference between the two can be the difference between rest at home and a hospital admission.
Heat Exhaustion
The warning stage. Your body is struggling but still fighting back.
Symptoms:
•Heavy sweating•Cold, pale, clammy skin•Weakness and fatigue•Nausea or vomiting•Headache and dizziness•Normal or slightly raised temperature.
What to do:Move to a cool place immediately, drink cold water or ORS, loosen clothing, apply cold wet cloth to neck and forehead. Most people recover within 30 minutes.
Heat Stroke
A medical emergency. The body’s cooling system has failed completely.
Symptoms:
•No sweating despite extreme heat•Hot, red, dry skin•Confusion, disorientation, or unconsciousness•Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)•Rapid, strong pulse.
What to do:
Call for emergency help immediately. Cool the person by any means possible — cold water, ice packs to armpits and neck. Do not give water if unconscious. Every minute matters.
The One Key Difference
Heat exhaustion — still sweating, conscious, recoverable at home.Heat stroke — no sweating, confused or unconscious, needs emergency care.
Prevention
•Stay hydrated — drink water every hour in peak heat•Avoid going out between 11am and 4pm•Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothing•Never leave children or elderly in parked cars