Heat exhaustion will occur before heat stroke.

• Excessive sweating
• Irritability
• Dizziness/fainting
• Pale skin
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Increased thirst
• Weakness
• Cool clammy skin
• Elevation of body temperature (but less than 105 degrees F)

How to Treat Heat Exhaustion

If child shows any of these heat exhaustion symptoms, get them indoors or out of the sun, even if it's just into the shade. You can help cool them off by wetting the skin.  Slowly rehydrate with cool water or a low-sugar sports drink to replenish electrolytes. If symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve in 20-30 minutes despite the above treatment, suggest to parent that they seek medical attention to avoid progression to heat stroke.

Wondering about the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? According to experts, heat stroke might occur if heat exhaustion goes undetected or untreated. It happens when the heat regulation center in the body stops working, which causes the core body temperature to rise unchecked.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. The first thing to do if you suspect a child is suffering from heat stroke is call 911.

Watch out of the following heat stroke symptoms:

• Flushed/hot skin that is dry to the touch
• High body temperature (105 degrees F or higher)
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Severe headache
• Confusion/agitation
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Weakness/dizziness