The differences between dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, and what to do

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Temperatures in the tri-state are expected to reach a scorching 100 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday with humidity levels as high as 105 to 115 degrees.

During a briefing Monday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned New Yorkers not to underestimate the heat and shared places to find some relief. Last year 350 people died from heat illness, according to the New York City Office of Emergency Management. 

To protect you and your loved ones in the ongoing heat wave, here are some signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke:

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs, as outlined by Mount Sinai Hospital.

Symptoms of severe dehydration according to Mount Sinai include:

• Dry, shriveled skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Listlessness
• Shock (not enough blood flow through the body)
• Unconsciousness or delirium
• Not urinating, or very dark yellow or amber-colored urine

Treatments for dehydration as suggested by Mount Sinai include:

• Sipping water or sucking on ice cubes
• Drinking water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can happen when the body loses a lot of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion as outlined by the CDC include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Elevated body temperature
• Decreased urine output

To combat heat exhaustion, the CDC suggests:

• Removing the person from the hot area 
• Frequent sips of cool water
• Removing unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks
• Using cold compresses or washing one’s head, face and neck with cold water

Heat Stroke

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness according to the CDC.

Symptoms of heat stroke as warned by the CDC include:

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature

If someone looks to be experiencing heat stroke, the CDC suggests:

• Call 911 for emergency medical care
• Move the person to cool area
• Remove outer clothing 
• Place them in an ice bath
• Fan the person
• Place cold, wet clothes or ice on the person’s head, neck, armpits, and groin

To help New Yorkers through this week's heat wave the city has extended pool hours and opened cooling centers.