The symptoms stem from low body water which then causes blood pressure and circulation to drop. Early symptoms of heat exhaustion are fatigue and light-headedness. As it becomes more severe nausea, vomiting, headache and fainting may occur. The body temperature may be normal or slightly elevated. Mild heat exhaustion can be managed with rest in a cool environment and fluid replacement.
More severe cases require medical attention, especially in chronically sick or elderly people.
Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is a true medical emergency which carries a significant fatality rate if not promptly recognized and treated. Heat stroke occurs when the body loses the ability to regulate temperature resulting in very high elevations. Other organ systems also will eventually be affected and damaged. This is especially true in chronically ill or elderly patients. Impaired sweating is usually involved at some point in the production of heat stroke.