What is the difference between heatstroke and heat-induced cold?
Sep 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
The main differences between heatstroke and heat-induced cold lie in their clinical manifestations, modes of transmission, body temperature changes, pathogenesis, and treatment approaches. Symptoms of heat-induced cold mainly include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough with phlegm; some patients may also exhibit systemic symptoms caused by fever, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle aches in the limbs.
The main differences between heatstroke and summer cold lie in their clinical manifestations, modes of transmission, body temperature changes, pathogenesis, and treatment methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms of a summer cold mainly include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough with phlegm, and in some patients, systemic symptoms caused by fever such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle aches in the limbs. Heatstroke primarily results from impaired skin heat dissipation due to high temperatures, leading to disturbances in consciousness or other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and vomiting.
2. Mode of Transmission
Heatstroke is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted to others through contact or airborne routes. In contrast, summer cold is contagious and primarily spreads via respiratory droplets in the air.
3. Body Temperature Changes
Heatstroke causes elevated body temperature, typically exceeding 37.8°C. Summer cold usually does not cause significant increases in body temperature, which generally remains within the normal range.
4. Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of summer cold involves external pathogenic factors invading the lungs and defensive systems, resulting in disharmony of the body's surface defenses and impaired lung function. Heatstroke mostly occurs when excessive body heat leads to substantial fluid loss, further causing inadequate blood circulation to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain, thereby resulting in symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
5. Treatment Methods
Summer cold requires active symptomatic treatment. Patients may take traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify or relieve exterior syndromes with warming herbs. This can be combined with compound cold medications and drugs for cough relief and phlegm reduction. Antibiotics may also be used when necessary. For heatstroke, the patient should first be moved to a cool, well-ventilated area. Close monitoring of the condition is essential, and emergency medical care should be sought if needed.
Note: Whether suffering from a summer cold or heatstroke, prompt management is recommended to prevent worsening of the condition.
