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Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke

Temperatures are rising in West Texas, and so are the number of people going to the hospital for heat-related illnesses.

ABILENE, TX — Temperatures are rising in West Texas, and so are the number of people going to the hospital for heat-related illnesses.

Brittany King is a registered nurse who sees heat-related illnesses too often.

“Exhaustion and heat strokes are two of the most common things we’re seeing especially during the summertime when the temperatures are in the triple digits,” King said.

She added that even in the high 90’s you can be at risk. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable.

There are differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke; r

ecognizing the differences are important.

“Nausea, just a feeling of being unwell, excessive sweating, dizziness light-headedness. The skin can feel cool and clammy,” King said.

These are all signs of heat exhaustion.

King said a heat stroke can result in brain, muscle, and kidney damage.

“The skins going to be flushed and hot, the person might be confused. They may have a high heart rate. They also are going to be complaining of thirst and dizziness. It can cause patients to become unresponsive,” King said.

This requires immediate medical attention.

King said it’s important to take precautions.

“Make sure that you’re in shorts, or a t-shirt and tank top. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty outside, to begin with. Make sure that you have plenty of fluids with you. Water, Powerade, Pedialyte, any of those things are ok. You generally want to avoid caffeine,” King said.

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