Could You Recognise Heatstroke Symptoms?
Heat Can Catch You Off Guard
- Heatwaves increase hospital visits. A Queensland study found around 10% more emergency department visits during heatwaves and 23% more during extreme heatwaves.
- Heat illness can happen indoors. Hot rooms and nights can prevent your body from cooling.
- Humidity makes cooling harder. Sweat evaporates less easily in Brisbane's humid weather.
- Still sweating? You can still have heatstroke, even without dry skin.
It can happen to anyone.
On the way to work, during a busy shift or even at home, Brisbane's heat can catch people off guard. And sometimes, the warning signs aren't what you'd expect.
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can feel surprisingly similar.
So, would you know what to look for?
On this page:
Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke?
Heat-related illness can begin with symptoms that are easy to overlook. Some people feel weak or dizzy, while others become nauseated, unusually tired or less alert.
The table below compares three conditions that can occur in hot weather.
| Condition | Common symptoms | What you need to know |
| Dehydration | Thirst, dry mouth, darker urine, headache, dizziness, passing less urine | Your body has lost more fluid than it has taken in. Severe dehydration needs urgent medical attention. |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, faintness, rapid pulse | Your body is struggling to cope with heat. Stop activity, begin cooling and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, worsen or don't improve. |
| Heatstroke | Confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination, collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness | A life-threatening emergency. Call 000 immediately if heatstroke is suspected. |
Symptoms can overlap, and heatstroke does not always follow a predictable sequence. Don't wait for every symptom to appear before getting help.
Emergency warning signs
Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness during heat exposure are serious warning signs. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you suspect heatstroke. Begin cooling the person while waiting for an ambulance
Physical Symptoms
Extreme weakness, rapid breathing or feeling faint can indicate heat-related illness.
Changes in Behaviour
Confusion, unusual behaviour or difficulty speaking are serious warning signs that need immediate attention.
Emergency Warning Signs
Confusion, unusual behaviour or difficulty speaking are serious warning signs that need immediate attention.
Suspected heatstroke? Call 000 immediately, even if the person is still conscious.
For further information, see Queensland Government's guide to heat-related illness ↗.
When Heat Catches People Out
Brisbane's heat and humidity can affect people in situations that don't always seem dangerous at first.
What Happens to Your Body When Temperatures Climb?
Your body works hard to keep its temperature steady, but extreme heat can put several systems under pressure.
- Your heart works harder
More blood flows towards your skin to release heat. Your heart has to work harder to keep blood circulating, particularly during physical activity.
- Your brain can be affected
As your body overheats, you may feel dizzy or struggle to concentrate. In severe cases, heatstroke can cause confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Your organs can suffer damage
Severe overheating can damage your kidneys, liver and other organs. Heatstroke is a medical emergency because serious damage can develop quickly.
For a closer look at how extreme heat affects the body, read this ABC News explainer ↗.
What to Do if Someone Has Heat Illness
- Stop and cool down
Move somewhere cool, stop activity and remove excess clothing. Use cool water on the skin and fan the person to help lower their temperature.
- Watch for improvement
If fully alert and able to swallow, offer small sips of water. Seek prompt medical help if symptoms are severe, worsen or don't improve. Vomiting or fainting needs prompt medical attention.
- Recognise an emergency
Suspect heatstroke? Call 000 immediately. Keep cooling the person and follow the ambulance operator's instructions. Don't give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy or unable to swallow safely.
Watch: How to Identify and Treat Heat Stroke | BBC
This video helps explain and answer questions around symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and how to help prevent them.
When Children Get Too Hot
After a day at the park, swimming or playing outside, children might seem unusually tired, irritable or simply not themselves.
Young children can't always explain how they're feeling, so changes in their behaviour are worth paying attention to.
If your child isn't recovering after cooling down, a GP can assess their symptoms and check for dehydration or other concerns. Turbot Street Medical Centre offers Children's Health appointments for families.
If your child is confused, difficult to wake, collapses or shows signs of heatstroke, call 000 immediately.
How a GP Can Help
If symptoms continue or return, a GP can help investigate dizziness, weakness or nausea, including whether heat, medication or an existing health condition may be contributing.
Turbot Street Medical Centre is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. If you're concerned about recurring symptoms or haven't fully recovered, you can arrange an appointment with one of our doctors.
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you suspect heatstroke, call 000 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get heatstroke without being in direct sunlight?
Yes. Heatstroke can occur indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces during prolonged hot weather. Physical activity and humidity can also increase the risk.
Can you have heatstroke if you're still sweating?
Yes. Although hot, dry skin can occur, sweating does not rule out heatstroke. Confusion, collapse and other serious symptoms are more important warning signs.
How long does heat exhaustion take to recover from?
Recovery depends on the severity of the illness. Mild symptoms may improve with prompt cooling and rest, but symptoms that are severe, worsening or not improving need medical assessment. Don't resume strenuous activity while still feeling unwell.