A surge of extreme heat has been sweeping across the UK this week. For only the second time ever, a Met Office red warning for extreme heat is in place for parts of England and Wales. As temperatures edge towards 40C, it's crucial to understand the distinction between heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The consequences are very real. On Wednesday, the London Ambulance Service recorded its highest-ever number of life-threatening emergencies "driven by the extreme heat", reports the Express.
Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Both conditions are forms of heat-related illness. The most severe of the two is heatstroke, which can prove potentially fatal. Anybody can fall victim to heat illness during hot weather, though certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including older people, babies, young children, and people with long-term health conditions like diabetes or heart problems.
What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when the body's capacity to regulate its temperature is overwhelmed by heat, resulting in reduced blood flow and damage to vital organs. The NHS urges people with symptoms of heatstroke to seek urgent medical care. Heatstroke symptoms can include a high body temperature or fever – usually more than 40C, fainting or losing consciousness, a seizure or fit, severe difficulty breathing (e.g., struggling to speak without pausing, gasping or choking), confusion, lack of coordination, and skin that’s cold to the touch, even with a high body temperature.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats — specifically when it loses excessive quantities of water and salt, typically through perspiration. Fatigue, muscle cramps and heat rash are among the indicators of the condition. The symptoms are generally consistent across both children and adults, although children may additionally display unusual behaviour. NHS Inform has outlined the following symptoms of heat exhaustion: tiredness, weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling or being sick, heavy sweating, and feeling very thirsty.
