Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know the Difference

Hot Texas days can quickly turn from uncomfortable to dangerous. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is struggling to keep up with heat and fluid loss. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, thirst, and cool or clammy skin. Someone with heat exhaustion is typically still thinking and behaving normally. Move them to a cool or air-conditioned area, stop physical activity, begin cooling, and provide water or an electrolyte drink if they are fully awake and able to drink safely.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The most important difference isn't whether the person is sweating—people with heat stroke may still sweat heavily. The major warning sign is a change in brain function. Confusion, unusual behavior, difficulty walking, slurred speech, collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness after significant heat exposure should raise immediate concern for heat stroke.

If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 and begin cooling immediately. Move the person out of the heat, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool them aggressively. Cold-water immersion is particularly effective when available; otherwise, wet the skin with cool water, use fans, and apply cold wet towels while awaiting EMS. Never force fluids into someone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure, or not fully alert.

The easiest rule to remember is: Heat + altered mental status = medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is your body's warning that it is struggling with the heat; heat stroke means the body's temperature-control system is failing and vital organs may be at risk. When temperatures soar, stay hydrated, take cooling breaks, and watch out for the people around you—they may not recognize how sick they are becoming.

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