Differentiating between heat stroke and food poisoning is crucial for seeking timely medical help.
In contrast, food poisoning commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes abdominal pain or fever.
A key sign that can help identify heat stroke is the lack of sweating despite the very high fever.
Heat stroke is also distinguished by its effects on mental status like disorientation compared to food poisoning.
Being outdoors during peak sun hours without protection also increases heat stroke risk.
As summer temperatures continue to rise across the country, more people are at risk of heat-related illnesses and foodborne diseases. Differentiating between heat stroke and food poisoning is crucial for seeking timely medical help. But what exactly are the differences between these two common summer ailments?
According to Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at a major Delhi hospital, heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature over 103°F along with hot, dry skin, confusion, and potentially loss of consciousness. In contrast, food poisoning commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes abdominal pain or fever.
A key sign that can help identify heat stroke is the lack of sweating despite the very high fever. Sweating is usually present with foodborne illnesses. Heat stroke is also distinguished by its effects on mental status like disorientation compared to food poisoning.
Certain groups run a higher risk of heat stroke. Those most vulnerable include infants and young children, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and those on medications like diuretics that affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Being outdoors during peak sun hours without protection also increases heat stroke risk.
To safeguard against both heat stroke and food poisoning this summer, doctors recommend staying hydrated, limiting time in the sun, dressing lightly and loosely, using sun protection, and checking on at-risk family or neighbors. Proper food handling and avoiding high-risk foods can also prevent bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. Knowing the telltale differences between these two illnesses’ symptoms means getting the right care sooner.
