What is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
Heat Stroke is the worst type of heat-related illness because it can be life-threatening. This is characterized by body temperature higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit or 40.6 degrees Celsius, complications with the central nervous system, nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and loss of consciousness or coma. Heat stroke is a consequence of other milder forms of heat-related illnesses like heat fainting, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. If left untreated it can cause damage to the brain and other internal organs.
Heat exhaustion is less severe compared to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can be classified as: water depletion and salt depletion. The former, water depletion, is characterized by excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. The latter, salt depletion, is characterized by nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
