TEXAS, USA — Heat stroke and exhaustion are common across the south especially in the summer. Although they may sound similar, heat stroke and heat exhaustion have different symptoms and can end with very different results.
Both illnesses are dangerous, but heat stroke should be taken more serious than heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke often precedes death and is characterized by a throbbing headache, no sweating, red hot and dry skin, a rapid strong pulse and possibly a loss of consciousness.
Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, has more typical symptoms that you may associate with someone battling the heat. It's common to feel faint or dizzy while experiencing heat exhaustion. Other symptoms include excessive sweating, cool pale clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse and having muscle cramps.
For heat exhaustion, try to move to a cool place in the shade and provide water. If people experience heat stroke, it is best to call 911.