heat stroke & heat exhaustion are they same?

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HEAT EXHAUSTION & HEAT STROKE

Middle east summer months are from June to September .Most of the countries are well prepared to beat high temperatures and humidity. The main victims of heat emergencies are those who work under the sun. Patients numbers will increase during the holy month of Ramadan due to Ramadan fasting. Gulf countries are giving  reduction in duty hours during these days, still ambulance calls steadily increases as the summer progress. 

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures for long time, often coexist with dehydration.

There are two types of heat exhaustion:

• Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.
• Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as heat stroke, but heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Heat stroke is marked hyperthermia  (dramatic increase in body temp 104 F) with loss of conciousness, the body will lost its ability to control its temperature ( failure in thermoregulation). It comes with prolong heat exposure with heavy work.

HEAT STROKE IS A REAL EMERGENCY , IMMEDIATELY CALL FOR 999

SYMPTOMS  HEAT EXHAUSTION \ HEAT STROKE

First Aid

• If you think a person may have heat illness or emergency:Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person's feet .
• Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place wet towels in neck, groin, and armpits.
• If alert, give the person a beverage to sip (such as a sports drink), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.
• For muscle cramps, give beverages as noted above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
• Call 999 and give first aid as needed.

We can prevent heat illness by..

1. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing in hot weather.
2. Rest often and seek shade when possible.
3. Avoid exercise or heavy physical activity outdoors during hot or humid weather.
4. Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
5. Be very careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly.
6. Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in.
7. Never leave a child sitting in a car exposed to the hot sun, even after opening windows.