Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke? What Parents of Athletes Need To Know

It happens fast.

One minute your child is pushing through practice. The next, they’re slower, quieter and not quite themselves. In the summer heat, it can be hard to tell: is this normal fatigue or something more serious?

Recognizing the early warning signs of heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a medical emergency.

“Parents will often say, ‘They just didn’t seem like themselves.’ That’s usually the first clue something is wrong,” says Community Health Network certified athletic trainer Chris Switzer, MS, LAT, ATC.

The Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

• Heat Exhaustion: This is the body’s early warning sign. The body is overheating, but this can be treated and reversed quickly. Kids are typically still alert, sweating and able to respond, even if they feel weak or dizzy.
• Heat Stroke: This is a life-threatening medical emergency. The body’s internal temperature is not regulating properly (often above 104°F) and requires medical care right away.

“Heat exhaustion can usually be treated quickly by cooling the athlete down. Heat stroke is when we need to act immediately,” Switzer says.

When To Treat vs. When To Call 911

While you should always pull an athlete out of play if they show signs of overheating, call 911 immediately if your child has any of these severe symptoms:

• Confusion (slurred speech, disorientation, unusual behavior, aggression)
• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• Not responding
• Vomiting or unable to drink 

“Confusion is a big red flag. If they’re not answering you clearly, don’t wait,” Switzer explains.

Quick Ways To Help if an Athlete Is Overheating

If something feels off, act quickly. Move your child into the shade or indoors, remove excess gear and begin cooling them right away:

• Place a cold towel on the neck.
• Use ice packs if available (neck, armpits or behind knees).
• Pour cool water over them (water bottle or hose works).
• Have them sip water slowly if they are alert.

“Cooling your child down is the most important first step,” Switzer says. “You can even douse them with a water bottle or nearby hose.”

Why Heat Illness Can Escalate Fast

Heat illness typically starts with heat exhaustion. If it’s missed, it can progress quickly to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Young athletes are at higher risk because they:

• Push through discomfort from fatigue or dehydration
• Want to stay in the game
• Don’t always recognize early symptoms

Important: Do not send your child back into play that day—even if they say they feel better. Many young athletes may downplay or hide how they’re feeling to avoid sitting out.

“Kids and teens don’t always speak up early. They want to stay in the game — that’s what makes this tricky,” Switzer says. “If they say they feel dizzy or just ‘off,’ take it seriously.”

How To Help Prevent Heat-Related Illness

Prevention starts before your child steps onto the field. “Acclimating slowly to the heat can make a big difference in preventing serious medical issues,” Switzer says.

Switzer’s four key heat-related illness prevention tips:

1. Ease Into the Heat: Start with lighter practices and gradually build intensity over several days.
2. Hydrate Early and Often: Fluids in the days before activity matter just as much as during a practice or game.
3. Adjust Equipment: Add full gear gradually, especially as temperatures rise, for sports with heavy equipment.
4. Time It Right: When possible, schedule practices or games in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to avoid peak heat.

When To Get Your Child Checked Out

Even if symptoms improve, trust your instincts.

“If you’re questioning it, that’s reason enough to have them evaluated,” Switzer says. “Families don’t want to guess when something’s wrong. They want to know, and they want to know quickly.”

A professional evaluation can help rule out heat-related illness, as well as other sports-related concerns, like joint tears, muscle sprains, and bone injuries. Community Health Network Orthopedics and Sports Medicine’s specialized team cares for young athletes every day — treating everything from heat emergencies and concussion to sudden sports injuries and ongoing aches and pains.

Need Care or Have Concerns?

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. You can:

• Find a primary care provider or pediatrician near you across Central Indiana  
• Schedule an appointment with Community Health Network
• Visit a nearby urgent care serving Indianapolis and surrounding communities
• Call 911 for emergencies

You can also check out the CDC's FAQ for more information.