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What Are the First Signs of Heat Exhaustion?

The first signs of heat exhaustion include symptoms such as heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea, fast, weak pulse; tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and fainting.
The first signs of heat exhaustion include symptoms such as heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea, fast, weak pulse; tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and fainting.

Heat exhaustion is a type of heat-related illness. 

The first signs of heat exhaustion include symptoms such as: 

If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke (also called sunstroke), a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's cooling system stops working and the body’s core temperature increases to a point at which brain damage or damage to internal organs can occur (105° F [40.5° C] or greater).

Seek immediate medical help if you experience: 

  • Inability to keep fluids down (vomiting) 
  • Worsening symptoms
  • Symptoms lasting more than one hour
  • Deterioration of mental status (confusion or delirium)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain 

What Causes Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is caused by exercising, working, or playing in very hot and humid weather. 

Risk factors for developing heat exhaustion include: 

  • Inadequate fluid intake
  • Wearing too many layers of clothing or wearing dark-colored clothing
  • Wearing sports equipment such as heavy pads or helmets
  • Direct sun exposure with no available shade
  • Alcohol consumption 
  • Low fitness level
  • Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) 
  • Lack of acclimatization to the heat
  • Age (toddlers and young children, the elderly) 
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Fever
  • Use of certain medications
    • Diuretics 
    • Stimulants 
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stomach illness
  • Sickle cell trait

How Is Heat Exhaustion Diagnosed?

Heat exhaustion can be diagnosed with a patient history that includes being in a hot environment, a physical examination and a temperature reading. 

Tests are not usually needed to diagnose heat exhaustion unless electrolyte imbalance or significant dehydration is suspected. 

What Is the Treatment for Heat Exhaustion?

Treatment for heat exhaustion includes:

  • Moving to a cool, shaded area or going into an air-conditioned building or car
  • Drinking plenty of fluids 
    • Sports drinks with electrolytes may be helpful
    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol
  • Applying active cooling measures
    • Sit in front of a fan 
    • Place a cold pack or cool compress on the neck, armpits, or groin
    • Take a cool shower or bath
  • Removing tight clothing or excess clothing

How Do You Prevent Heat Exhaustion?

When it is hot or humid, heat exhaustion may be prevented by:

  • Not exercising, working, or playing outdoors
  • If you exercise, work, or play outdoors:
    • Keep activity levels low 
    • Take frequent breaks
    • Drink enough fluids, such as water or sports drinks
    • Avoid drinking large amounts in a short time, which can be harmful
    • Exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot 
    • Wear loose, lightweight clothing

Pay attention to symptoms of heat exhaustion and stop activity and cool down right away so symptoms do not progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. 


 

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References
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/heat-injury-and-heat-exhaustion/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/heat-stroke-the-basics?search=Heat%20Stroke&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~66&usage_type=default&display_rank=1