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Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Understanding the Differences and Risks

In recent years, Hong Kong's weather has become increasingly hot, with 2024 marking a record-breaking year for high temperatures in the city. According to reports, Hong Kong broke 35 temperature records, reaching highs of 35.7 °C in 2024, making it the hottest year in the city's history . This trend is concerning, especially given the potential risks of heat-related illnesses.

Outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to these conditions. A survey revealed that 60% of Hong Kong’s outdoor workers experience symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two serious health concerns that can arise from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Therefore, understanding these conditions can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, typically accompanied by dehydration. It is often seen in situations where a person is exposed to excessive heat for an extended period or engages in strenuous physical activities in hot weather.

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?

The body loses a significant amount of water and salt, which can lead to the onset of symptoms such as:

·Heavy sweating

·Dizziness or light-headedness

·Nausea or vomiting

·Headache

·Fainting or weakness

Several factors can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, including:

·High humidity: Elevated humidity levels can prevent sweat from evaporating efficiently, making it harder for the body to cool down.

·Strenuous physical activity: Engaging in physical exertion during hot weather, particularly for prolonged periods, places additional strain on the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

·Wearing heavy clothing: Clothing that traps heat and prevents the evaporation of sweat can exacerbate the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into more severe heat-related conditions, including heat stroke.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a much more severe condition than heat exhaustion. It occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to dangerously high levels, typically above 40°C (104°F) . This condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

·Symptoms of heat stroke include:

·Confusion or altered mental state

· Slurred speech

· Rapid or weak pulse

· Hot, dry skin (lack of sweating)

· Loss of consciousness or fainting

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition, and if not treated immediately, it can cause organ damage or even be fatal. It typically occurs when heat exhaustion is left untreated, and the body’s cooling mechanisms fail to keep up with the rising temperature.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion

Preventing heat stroke and heat exhaustion is critical, especially during periods of extreme heat. Below are several preventive measures that can help reduce the risks:

Stay hydrated	It is essential to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration. Water helps regulate body temperature and replace fluids lost through sweating. Electrolyte-rich drinks can also help maintain the balance of salts and minerals in the body.
Wear appropriate clothing	Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing allows for better air circulation and helps keep the body cool. Additionally, wearing hats or using sunscreen can protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Limit physical activity	Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If physical activity is necessary, take frequent breaks and rest in the shade or a cool area.
Use fans and air conditioning	Whenever possible, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces or use fans to help cool the environment. This is especially important for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Monitor vulnerable groups	Ensure that young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions are closely monitored during extreme heat. They are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and may not be able to regulate their body temperature effectively.

What to Do in Case of Heat Exhaustion

If someone shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, it is important to act quickly:

Assist the person to a cooler environment	Relocate them to a shaded or air-conditioned area to help lower their body temperature.
Provide cool water	Offer small sips of cool water to help rehydrate the individual. Avoid offering drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body further.
Encourage rest	Allow the personto rest and recover in a cool environment. Avoid any further physical exertion until they have fully recovered.

If the symptoms worsen or do not improve with these steps, seek medical attention immediately, as heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke.

What to Do in Case of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If heat stroke is suspected, follow these steps:

Call emergency services immediately	Heat stroke requires urgent medical attention. Call 999 or your local emergency number to get immediate help.
Cool the person down	While waiting for medical help, attempt to cool the person down by moving them to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Use cool water, ice packs, or fans to reduce their body temperature. Ice packs should be placed on areas like the armpits, groin, neck, and wrists, as these areas contain large blood vessels that can help cool the body more effectively.
Do not attempt to give fluids	Unlike heat exhaustion, individuals with heat stroke may be unconscious or unable to swallow, so avoid giving them any fluids.

Prompt action is critical to prevent long-term damage or death from heat stroke.

What is the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Understanding the key differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion is crucial for proper identification and effective management of these conditions. The main distinctions lie in core temperature, symptoms, severity, and treatment.

Condition	Heat Exhaustion	Heat Stroke
Core Temperature	Less than 40°C (104°F)	Above 40°C (104°F)
Symptoms	Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, fatigue	Confusion, slurred speech, hot skin (lack of sweating),unconsciousness
Severity	Less severe, but can progress to heat stroke	Life-threatening, requires immediate medical attention
Treatment	Rest, oral hydration, and a cool environment	Immediate medical attention with intravenous fluid, and cooling the body down with ice packs

It is important to note that while heat exhaustion can often be managed with rest and hydration, heat stroke is an emergency situation requiring immediate intervention.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat: Key Takeaways

Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and understanding the differences between these two conditions, is essential to staying safe in extreme heat. Proactive measures, such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and limiting physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, can significantly reduce the risks. In cases where these conditions do occur, swift action is required to prevent further harm.

By being aware of the symptoms and treatment strategies for heat-related illnesses, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Blue Care Consultation Services

Blue Care Medical Centres staffed with highly qualified family doctors provide family doctor consultation.

For appointment, please contact Blue Care Medical Centre.

Central clinic

Tel : 2523 1808

Address : 10/F, 33 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
(MTR Central Station Exit “B” or Hong Kong Station Exit “C”)

Kwun Tong clinic

Tel : 2523 9383

Address: Unit 2802, 28/F, BEA Tower, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon (MTR Kwun Tong Station Exit “A2”)

Reference:

1. Earth.org. (2025). Hong Kong breaks 35 temperature records in 2024, hottest year in city's history. Retrieved from https://earth.org/hong-kong-breaks-35-temperature-records-in-2024-hottest-year-in-citys-history/

2.Hong Kong Free Press. (2023). 60% of Hong Kong outdoor workers suffer heatstroke symptoms despite new warning system, survey finds. Retrieved from https://hongkongfp.com/2023/09/06/60-of-hong-kong-outdoor-workers-suffer-heatstroke-symptoms-despite-new-warning-system-survey-finds/

3.Mayo Clinic. (2024). Heat stroke: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581