Q: What is
the difference between dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion (symptoms,
conditions, treatments)?
A:
Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you consume and the fluid
shortage impacts normal bodily functions.
Dehydration results from illness, exercise, exposure to high
temperatures, and not drinking enough water.
Symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Thirst
- Headache
- Lower urine output
- Dizziness
Heat Exhaustion and
Heat Stroke are categorized as heat-related illnesses that are caused by
dehydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures or vigorous activity in
hot /humid conditions. Heat Exhaustion
is less severe than Heat Stroke, with Heat Exhaustion leading to Heat Stroke if
not treated properly.
Both illnesses occur
when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. During heat exhaustion, the body
unsuccessfully attempts to lower the body temperature by sweating. It is unsuccessful because the environment is
too hot. Heat stroke arises when the
body becomes dehydrated and the ability to sweat is diminished or
eliminated. As a result, your body
produces more heat than it can release and the body temperature continues to
rise. Heat Stroke is classified as a
body temperature above 104˚ F.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include:
- Elevated body temperature
- Profuse sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid Heartbeat
Heat Stroke Symptoms
include:
- Body temperature above 104˚ F
- No sweating
- Hyperventilation
- Abnormal mental state (including coma)
Heat Exhaustion is
treated by drinking fluids, moving to a cool location, and discontinuing
exercise.
Heat Stroke is
treated by moving to a cool location, removing excess clothes, applying a cold
pack/taking a cold bath and calling 911.
Heat stroke can lead to brain damage or death if not promptly
treated.
The following
websites were used as references in answering the question:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion