Heavy Sweating

Well, duh, right? If you have a heat stroke, you’re going to be sweating, obviously! Just because you get a bit sweaty doesn’t mean that you’re having a heat stroke. However, when you start to experience heavy sweating, that may be a signal to you that something’s up. Heat exhaustion typically has heavy sweating. Many people who have experienced heat exhaustion have noticed that the skin becomes cool to the touch and moist. You may even notice that you’ve got goose bumps when you’re exposed to more heat. If you notice these signs, it’s important to stop what you’re doing and get to shade as quickly as possible. Ideally, you’ll be able to go indoors. If you are in a place that does not have access to air conditioning, it may be necessary to look into cooling centers. Many places have cooling centers, which are air-conditioned facilities where anyone can come and cool down. These are available to the public in order to prevent heat exhaustion and strokes.

Dizziness and Fainting

It is possible to become dizzy and faint when you’re overheated and experiencing heat exhaustion. If you’re someone who does a lot of outdoor activities, you’ll want to look at the weather before you go outside, especially if you’re used to doing something particularly strenuous such as running. While you’re probably not going to have a heat stroke or experience heat exhaustion from running in 75-degree weather, you could easily experience heat exhaustion from running in triple-digit weather. If you’re someone who likes to get in some physical activity outdoors, make sure you research how long you’re able to work out safely in the current temperature. You may need to adjust your schedule to do your runs in the morning or at dusk—but hopefully not when it’s too dark! If you’re running in the dark, make sure you’ve got the proper gear so that you’re visible and safe.

Muscle Cramps

If you’re experiencing heat exhaustion, you may notice that you’ve got muscle cramps starting to form in your legs and abdomen. This is because your body is low on water and salt, likely because you’ve sweated it all out—this is why dogs like to lick you when you come in from outdoor activities on a hot summer day. If you begin experiencing muscle cramps like the aforementioned, it’s time to get indoors—or at least get to a shady place if you’re not able to get inside. You will likely need to begin sipping cool water as well, since dehydration can be the start of many serious medical problems. Preventing dehydration can help you prevent more serious conditions such as a heat stroke.

Nausea and Headache

You may also experience nausea and a headache when you’re experiencing heat exhaustion. In severe cases, vomiting may also occur. Heat exhaustion is generally what happens before a person has a heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is typically less serious and less of a cause for concern. While heat exhaustion can cause nausea, headaches, and vomiting, it’s important to understand that a heat stroke can also cause nausea and vomiting. If a person is experiencing nausea and vomiting, it’s important to assess whether they’re suffering from heat exhaustion or having a heat stroke. A heat stroke is a medical emergency that warrants immediate medical attention. If you believe someone is having a heat stroke, you will need to get them medical attention as soon as possible as it is possible to die from a heat stroke or have permanent conditions as a result of a heat stroke.

When Should You Get Medical Attention?

As previously mentioned, a heat stroke is typically caused by heat exhaustion that has not been resolved in a timely manner. It’s important to know the difference between a heat stroke and heat exhaustion. A person who’s having a heat stroke may have a temperature that exceeds 103 degrees F. They may not be sweating at all, and their skin may be dry. A person who’s having a heat stroke may be unconscious, or struggling to stay conscious. They may have a rapid strong pulse as well. If you observe signs of a heat stroke in a person, they will likely need immediate medical attention. Getting them to a cool place while you’re waiting for help to arrive is likely imperative.

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