Heat exhaustion or heatstroke: Can you tell the difference?

• Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke: Clinical Summary
• Heat exhaustion presents with heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and rapid pulse due to dehydration and electrolyte loss, remaining responsive—manage with rest, fluids and cooling measures in primary care.
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency characterised by core temperature >40°C, altered consciousness, and absent or minimal sweating—requires immediate hospital admission and active cooling to prevent multi-organ failure.
• Key clinical distinction: heat exhaustion victims sweat profusely while heatstroke patients may have paradoxically dry skin; any neurological symptoms, confusion or loss of consciousness mandate emergency referral and do not attempt cooling at home alone.

During hot weather, it can be easy to overheat, sometimes resulting in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

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