Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — This week’s heat wave has shown how hot the summer months can really get. But are we really enjoying the summer heat safely?

According to the CDC, heat stroke deaths continue to rise. Compared to 2021 and 2022, 2023 saw the highest amount of heat-related deaths at 2,297.

But officials say any of these deaths could’ve been prevented if people had just known the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

However, UCLA Health notes that knowing you’re suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be tricky due to the nature of its symptoms.

And as temperatures are set to rise next week in North Dakota, it’s important to remember the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do about it.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include appearing overheated, profuse sweating, a fast pulse, feeling tired or weak, and experiencing muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

Symptoms of heat stroke, however, are seeming confused or agitated, having trouble walking or talking, and experiencing nausea or dizziness.

If you are experiencing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, call 911 right away and follow these these tips: get out of the heat and return to the shade or an air-conditioned space; loosen or remove tight or constricting clothing; and cool down the body with damp towels, cold water, or a fan.

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