Can heat exhaustion lead to heatstroke? Yes! Read this blog to learn all about heat illnesses and how you can prevent them this summer.
There’s no better place to be in the summertime than in the foothills of North Carolina. Beautiful blue skies, warm weather and a full calendar of outdoor activities, what’s not to love? But whether you’re mowing the lawn, enjoying a bike ride on the Lenoir Greenway or playing a friendly game of tennis, the heat can take a serious toll on your body.
Heat exhaustion is one of the most common heat-related illnesses, and if it’s not treated quickly, it can progress into heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. Understanding the symptoms of heat exhaustion and how heatstroke happens is key to keeping yourself and your family safe.
What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot and can’t cool down fast enough. Usually, this is caused by high temperatures, humidity and physical activity, especially when you’re not staying properly hydrated.
It may not feel serious at first, but if you ignore the early warning signs, it can quickly become dangerous.
Common Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Fainting
- Pale, cool, clammy skin
- Rapid but weak pulse
How Do People Get Heatstroke?
Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness, and it can come on suddenly or develop from untreated heat exhaustion. It’s most likely to occur when your body temperature climbs to 104°F or higher and your internal cooling system shuts down.
Common situations that can lead to heatstroke include:
- Exercising or working outdoors for long periods without breaks or water
- Staying out in direct sun during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Wearing heavy or non-breathable clothing that traps heat
- Skipping meals or hydration, which weakens the body’s ability to regulate heat
- Ignoring signs of heat exhaustion and continuing to push through
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke: The Key Difference
A quick way to tell whether you’re dealing with heat exhaustion or heatstroke is to check the condition of the skin:
- With heat exhaustion, skin is typically cool, pale and clammy
- With heatstroke, skin becomes hot, dry or slightly moist
Heatstroke also comes with much more serious symptoms, including:
- Confusion, agitation or slurred speech
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Throbbing headache
- Body temperature of 104°F or higher
If you suspect someone is having a heatstroke, call 911 immediately and try to cool them down while you wait for emergency responders.
Why Quick Treatment Matters
When caught early, heat exhaustion can usually be reversed with rest, shade and hydration. But the longer you wait, the greater the risk of complications like organ damage or stroke.
At AFC Lenoir, we treat patients every summer for symptoms related to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even sun poisoning. Select members of our medical team are trained in IV hydration therapy, which can help your body recover faster than drinking fluids alone.
Simple Ways to Stay Cool and Safe This Summer
Staying healthy in the heat doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart habits can go a long way in preventing heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of water, don’t wait until you’re thirsty
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes
- Stay in the shade or air conditioning whenever possible
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen to avoid sunburn, which can raise your risk
- Take frequent breaks if you’re working or exercising outside
- Know the forecast and stay aware of heat advisories
When to Visit AFC Lenoir
If you’re feeling drained from the heat and rest or hydration isn’t helping, come see us at AFC Lenoir, no appointment needed. Our team can assess your symptoms, provide IV fluids if needed and rule out anything more serious. And if you’re unsure whether it’s heat exhaustion, sun poisoning or something else, we’ll help you get the right care, fast.
Heat-related illness is more common than you think, and it can affect anyone, at any age. By recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion early, you can stop a medical emergency before it starts. And if the heat starts to get the best of you, our team is ready to help you cool down and stay healthy this summer.
