Heat exhaustion can be fatal if left untreated, causing heat stroke and cardiac arrest. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, unconsciousness, and profuse sweating. It can be easily avoided by staying hydrated and avoiding overexposure to heat. Elderly and young children are more prone to heat-related illnesses. Treatment includes removing the individual from the heat, providing cool, hydrating drinks, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, can be fatal, causing heat stroke and possibly cardiac arrest. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s natural sweat cooling system is overwhelmed by high temperatures and dehydration. When the body reaches a point where it is unable to cool itself, individuals can rapidly progress to heat exhaustion or worse. There are multiple symptoms of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, headache, vomiting, unconsciousness, and profuse sweating. Fortunately, heat exhaustion can be easily avoided if you stay well hydrated and avoid overexposure to heat.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are more common in the elderly and very young children. These age groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more prone to heat-related illnesses. Children under the age of four, in particular, are vulnerable to the heat, as are people over the age of 65. Obesity and heart disease can also increase your chances of developing heat exhaustion symptoms.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion typically begin with heavy sweating. In and of itself, sweating isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it is one of the body’s primary methods of regulating its temperature. When dehydrated and exposed to high temperatures, individuals begin to sweat more heavily than normal which is one of the first signs of heat exhaustion. Other signs quickly follow, such as fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, even vomiting. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion may actually have cold skin, appearing pale. They may also show a fast, but weaker pulse. Any combination of these symptoms is a high indicator of heat exhaustion, and you shouldn’t waste time treating them, lest they progress to life-threatening heat stroke.
Knowing how to quickly recognize and treat the symptoms of heat exhaustion can be the difference between life and death. Removing the individual from the heat and taking them to a cool place, as well as immediately providing cool, hydrating drinks, are the most important steps. When giving fluids to a person suffering from heat exhaustion, be sure to provide only hydrating beverages, such as water or electrolyte-containing sports drinks. Drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or other beverages that can further dehydrate the body should be avoided. The sick person should also immediately change into light, fresh clothing and find ways to cool off, such as with a shower or a damp washcloth.
If symptoms appear to be getting worse rather than rapidly dissipating, people should see a doctor right away. A person with extreme heat exhaustion may need medical attention and intravenous (IV) fluids. Without proper attention, heat exhaustion symptoms can develop into heat stroke, which is known to cause heart attacks, brain damage, and damage to other organs and body functions.
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