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May 22, 2013
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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

Call a doctor or take the person to an emergency department if heat exhaustion or heat stroke is suspected.

  • Suspected heat stroke is a true, life-threatening medical emergency. Call for an ambulance immediately using 911.
  • Go to a hospital immediately if the person is unable to keep fluids down or if their mental status begins to deteriorate. Symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain may indicate that the heat exhaustion is accompanied by more serious medical problems.

For heat exhaustion, a person should go to the hospital if any of the following are present:

  • Loss of consciousness, confusion, or delirium
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Inability to drink fluids
  • Continuous vomiting
  • Temperature more than 104 F (40 C)
  • Temperature that is rising despite attempts to cool the person
  • Any person with other serious ongoing medical problems

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Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke - Difference

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How did the doctor distinguish between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke »

Heat illness is a major cause of preventable morbidity worldwide, especially in regions characterized by high ambient temperatures.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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