With extreme heat waves sweeping Europe and other countries, experts warn that it is important to distinguish between three different conditions that are often confused: stress, fatigue and heat stroke, TIME wrote.

This is the most general term that includes the body’s first reactions to high temperatures during physical activity.

Symptoms can include skin redness, muscle cramps, dizziness and sensations fainting.

At this stage, the body tries to cool down through sweating, but its mechanisms begin to be overloaded.

Experts advise stopping activity, staying in the shade or in a cool place and drinking water in small sips. In case of cramps, drinks with electrolytes can help.

This condition occurs when the body loses a lot of water and salts due to excessive sweating.

Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, physical weakness, severe headache, irritation, cold and clammy skin, as well as high body temperature.

In more severe cases, damage to organs, especially the kidneys, can occur.

Person should be immediately moved to a cool or air-conditioned place and drink fluids in a controlled manner. If the condition does not improve, urgent medical help should be sought.

This is the most dangerous condition and constitutes a medical emergency.

It occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate the temperature and it exceeds 40°C. At this stage, sweating stops and organs begin to fail.

Symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures or delirium. The body temperature can rise very quickly and without emergency treatment, it can lead to permanent damage or death.

Experts stress that in case of suspected heat stroke, the emergency should be called immediately and the person should be cooled as soon as possible.

Source: prizrenpost