HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE 

·        Difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

They usually happen during a heat wave or in a hot climate, but can also occur when you're doing very strenuous physical exercise.

• Heat exhaustion is where you become very hot and start to lose water or salt from your body and generally feeling unwell.
• Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool itself and a person's body temperature becomes dangerously high (sunstroke is when this is caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight).

Heatstroke is less common, but more serious. It can put a strain on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening.

If heat exhaustion isn't spotted and treated early on, there's a risk it could lead to heatstroke.

·        Who's most at risk?

Anyone can develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke during a heat wave or while doing heavy exercise in hot weather. However, some people are at a higher risk.

These include:

• Elderly people
• Babies and young children
• People with a long-term health condition, such as diabetes or a heart or lung condition
• People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)
• People doing strenuous exercise for long periods, such as military soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers

You're more likely to experience problems if you're dehydrated, there's little breeze or ventilation, or you're wearing tight, restrictive clothing.