Heat exhaustion can occur as the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive heat, often resulting from strenuous physical activity. With the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves attributed to global climate changes, understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and how to prevent heat exhaustion is important.

Heat exhaustion is typically a short-term condition that can last for a few hours to a day or so, especially if the affected individual receives appropriate treatment and takes steps to cool down and rehydrate. With proper care, most people can recover from heat exhaustion relatively quickly.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that is caused when the body becomes overheated due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. It is often a precursor to more severe heat-related conditions like heatstroke.

Profuse sweating is one of the initial signs of heat exhaustion as the body tries to cool down. However, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Lightheadedness and dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps & heat cramps
  • Confusion or irritability
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

It’s important to note that if someone is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, prompt action should be taken to cool the person down, provide fluids, and seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe or do not improve.

How to Treat Heat Exhaustion

Treating heat exhaustion promptly is crucial to prevent it from progressing to more severe heat-related conditions like heat stroke. Here’s what you can do to help someone experiencing heat exhaustion:

  • Immediately get the person out of the heat and into a cooler environment, preferably air-conditioned. If indoors is not an option, find shade or create shade using umbrellas or other materials.
  • Give the person plenty of fluids to drink, preferably water or a sports drink containing electrolytes. Dehydration can worsen due to caffeine and alcohol.
  • Have the person rest and lie down. Elevate their feet slightly to help improve blood circulation.
  • Apply cool, damp cloths or towels to their skin.
  • Fan them with a handheld fan or any available means.
  • Use a spray bottle to mist water on their skin and then fan to enhance evaporation.
  • Encourage the person to take a cool (not cold) shower or bath if possible.
  • Remove or loosen any tight or unnecessary clothing to help their body cool down more effectively.
  • Keep an eye on their body temperature. A thermometer is useful, but if not available, watch for signs of improvement such as reduced sweating, a decrease in redness of the skin, and a lessening of distress.
  • After the episode of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to avoid further exposure to heat for the rest of the day. Encourage the person to stay hydrated and rest in a cool place.

If the person’s condition doesn’t improve within 30 minutes, if they become disoriented or lose consciousness, or if their symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately. Heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, which requires urgent medical intervention.

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses, but they differ in terms of severity, symptoms, and medical urgency,” according to health.com. It’s important to understand the distinctions between the two.

Heat exhaustion is a less severe heat-related condition that typically occurs when the body becomes overheated due to exposure to high temperatures and excessive physical activity. It can be a precursor to heat stroke if not addressed.

Heat stroke is a severe and potentially fatal condition that happens when the body’s central temperature escalates to a hazardous level (typically over 104°F or 40°C) due to extended exposure to high temperatures and the body’s cooling systems not functioning properly. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke often involves a breakdown of the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Body temperature rises
  • Absence of sweating (or minimal sweating)
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Hot, dry, and red skin
  • Throbbing headache
  • Confusion, agitation, or even delirium
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Unconsciousness or coma

Differences: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

While heat exhaustion is serious and requires prompt attention, heat stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate intervention. Heat stroke can lead to organ damage, including brain damage, and even death if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion can usually be managed by moving to a cooler environment, hydrating, and resting.

If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately and take steps to cool the person down rapidly, such as immersing them in a cool bath or shower, applying cold compresses, and providing fluids if they are conscious and able to swallow.

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke involves staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity in extreme heat, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and taking breaks in a cool environment.

Excessive Heat Warnings: Prevent Heat Exhaustion

The purpose of an excessive heat warning is to ensure that people are aware of the dangerous heat conditions so they can take appropriate precautions to protect themselves.

Excessive heat warnings can lead to an increased risk of heat exhaustion. When the body is exposed to prolonged high temperatures and humidity, especially during a heatwave, it can struggle to cool down effectively. This can result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and an inability to dissipate heat, leading to heat-related illnesses.

It’s important to take excessive heat warnings seriously and to follow recommended guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Use fans and take cool showers or baths to help lower body temperature.
  • Limit physical activity by avoiding strenuous exercise or activities during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Wear appropriate clothing by choosing lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing that helps keep your body cool.
  • Check on vulnerable individuals by keeping an eye on the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions. These individuals are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
  • Never leave people or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels quickly, even with the windows cracked.
  • Stay informed by paying attention to weather forecasts and updates from local authorities.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best strategy. Encourage staying well-hydrated, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas during hot days, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Visit Us Today!

If you suspect a case of heat exhaustion or are feeling dehydrated, stop by Advanced Urgent Care for an evaluation today. Our providers will assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan. We are open 7 days a week with evening availability.

You can walk-in or reserve your spot online. Click here for a list of our locations across the Denver metro area.