Caregiver's Guide to the Difference Between Heat Stroke and Heat Stress for Seniors
Plenty of people like the heat. Whether it's a preference for a nice, warm day, a way to ease joint pain, or just a better option than the cold, everyone can enjoy a little time in the sun. Like all good things, though, heat needs moderation, particularly when it comes to older individuals. Words like "heat stroke" and "heat stress" get thrown around often. What do they mean and what's the difference? Let's explore that here and now to help caregivers learn how to best care for people during the summer months in the greater OKC area.
Heat Stress
Heat stress, also called heat exhaustion, is caused by prolonged exposure to intense heat. Sitting inside a parked car, walking in direct sunlight, or spending lots of time outside the water at the pool are some common causes of this.
When someone experiences heat stress, the most obvious sign is lots of sweating. Other symptoms include things like headaches, muscle aches, feeling dizzy, nausea, and extreme thirst. While that all sounds scary, it's thankfully not too serious as long as you cool off and hydrate.
Heat Stroke
If heat stress is not dealt with, it can progress into heat stroke. The change happens quickly and is most obviously marked by the opposite of heat stress, in that someone suffering from heat stroke stops sweating. When suffering from heat stroke, a person becomes severely dehydrated and hot. They frequently have temperatures similar to a high fever. They'll also tend to feel disoriented and exhausted. If this happens, it's critical that you cool them down and get them fluids, as prolonged heat stroke can be very dangerous.
The Heat Stroke and Heat Stress Facts at a Glance
In short, there are several similarities between heat stress and heat stroke, but also plenty of differences. Here are the facts at a glance:
Similarities
- Caused by prolonged exposure to heat.
- Sufferers feel very hot and generally bad.
- Symptoms are easy to spot.
Differences
- Heat stress comes before heat stroke.
- It involves sweating, but heat stroke does not.
- Heat stroke is more serious than heat stress.
Knowing the signs of each ensures that a nice day out doesn't cause more harm than good. Older people are particularly susceptible to things like heat stress and heat stroke. This can be caused by several things, from medication side effects to simply not being able to regulate temperature as well anymore. Regardless, it's a caregiver's responsibility to make sure the person in their care is staying cool and drinking plenty of water.
As long as you can recognize what's happening quickly and cool off, you'll be able to enjoy plenty of fun in the sun for years to come.
Get Help From Senior Helpers
Everyone needs a little help from time to time. That includes both older people and their caregivers. If this describes your situation, give Senior Helpers of Greater OKC a call. We provide personalized in-home care services to older individuals. We can help with things like daily tasks, keeping the home in order, personal care, and much more. If you're in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, or anywhere else nearby, let Senior Helpers help you today!