Heat exhaustion

Overview Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats in response to external factors, like high temperature. Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone. It’s common in athletes, particularly those who exercise outdoors during extreme summer weather. It can also occur if you’re in a hot car or other indoor area that isn’t air-conditioned. Babies, small children, and older adults are more susceptible. Heat exhaustion is less severe than heatstroke, but can lead to this more dangerous condition. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and what you can do to prevent heat exhaustion. The symptoms of heat exhaustion can come on suddenly without warning, or they may creep up on you gradually. You may have one or several symptoms, including: • a drop in blood pressure when exerting yourself, such as moving from a sitting to a standing position, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded • dizziness • nausea • feeling faint or having the sense that you are going to black out • sweating profusely from many areas of the body • moist, cool, or cold skin, coupled with goose bumps, even in extreme heat • a pulse rate that becomes weak and rapid • headache • muscle cramping Heat exhaustion vs. heatstroke Heatstroke is more serious than heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heatstroke if left untreated. Symptoms of heatstroke may include: • headache • a very high fever of 104°F (40°C) or more • disorientation • confusion • bright red, flushed-looking skin Your ski...

There are two types of heat exhaustion: • Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. • Salt depletion. Signs include Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: • Confusion • Dark-colored urine (a sign of • Dizziness • • • • Muscle or abdominal cramps • Nausea, • Pale • Profuse • Rapid heartbeat Treatment for Heat Exhaustion If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place. Other recommended strategies include: • Drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks to replace lost salt (avoid • Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing. • Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. • Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels. If such measures fail to provide relief within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help, because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. After you've recovered from heat exhaustion, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities. Risk Factors for Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you ...