The differences between heatstroke and heat exhaustion

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are both illnesses caused by exposure to extreme heat and, if left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke.

With the temperature set to rise as high as 36°, it is important to understand the differences.

Heat exhaustion can lead to:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Muscle cramping
• Excessive sweating
• A rapid, weak pulse
• A general sense of weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold, clammy and pale hands
• Dark-coloured urine
• Headaches

Heatstroke often begins with symptoms of heat exhaustion and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms include:

• A temperature of 104ºF or higher
• Hot, dry skin
• A racing heartbeat
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Throbbing headache