What should you know about mini heat stroke symptoms?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body cannot control its temperature effectively. Warning features can include severe weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures or loss of consciousness. Sweating may be present or absent, so a dry skin check does not rule it in or out.

Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of heat illness, but it can progress. A fever from infection is different from overheating, although both can make someone feel hot. The setting, recent exertion and other symptoms help clinicians distinguish them.

Move the person to shade or a cool indoor place, remove extra clothing and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, water mist and airflow. Place ice packs wrapped in cloth near the neck, armpits and groin if available. Stay with them and arrange emergency help when heat stroke is suspected.

If the person is fully awake and able to swallow, offer small sips of water. Do not force drinks, give alcohol or leave an impaired person alone. Do not delay help while trying to measure temperature.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe drowsiness, inability to drink, worsening vomiting or very hot skin after heat exposure. Keep cooling during transport advice. Someone with ongoing weakness, headache, dizziness or vomiting after cooling needs prompt medical assessment because dehydration and electrolyte problems may require treatment such as IV fluids.

Was this heat exhaustion or possible heat stroke? How should hydration and activity be managed during recovery? Which symptoms mean I need emergency care, and could medicines or a health condition increase my heat risk?