With the heat wave continuing, people are being asked to keep the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in mind.
While similarly named, the two heat-related illnesses are different in intensity. Heat exhaustion is characterized by having a body temperature below 104 degrees along with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps and clammy skin.
Dr. Brian Stone with IRMC’s Sports Medicine Department said that heat stroke is the more serious condition, as the body is shutting down due to an inability to deal with extended heat exposure.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if it goes untreated, and heat stroke could lead to death or permanent disability if treatment is not given. Stone added that those who keep in great shape are prone to suffer these conditions.
Those with heat exhaustion should be moved to a cooler area, their clothing should be loosened, and given cool water to sip. If their condition does not improve, call 911.
If you see someone suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately, move them to a cooler area, loosen any clothing or remove layers, and apply cool water and ice to help them cool off.
A heat advisory remains in effect for Indiana County until 8:00 tomorrow night.
To watch the interview with Dr. Stone, click on the player below.
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