Heat Exhaustion – excerpt from MayoClinic.com

Definition:  Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating.  It’s one of the three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity.  Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.
 
Symptoms

Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or may develop after days of heat exposure. Possible heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:

• Cool moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

If you think you are experiencing heat exhaustion:

·         Stop all activity and rest

·         Move to a cooler place

·         Drink cool water or sports drinks

Contact your doctor if your signs and symptoms worsen or if they don’t improve within 60 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature reaches 104 (40C) or higher.

Causes

·         Impaired cooling mechanism- the evaporation of sweat helps to regulate body temperature, but when the environment is humid or if you exercise strenuously your body is less able to cool itself efficiently.

·         Dehydration, which impedes your body’s ability to sweat and maintain a normal temperature

·         Alcohol use, which can affect your body’s ability to regulate your temperature

·         Overdressing, particularly in clothes that don’t allow sweat to evaporate easily

Risk factors

·         Young age or old age, Infants and children younger than 4 and adults older than 65 are at higher risk

·         Certain drugs that may affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated. These can include high blood pressure and heart medication. Medicines to alleviate allergy symptoms, as well as some illicit drugs such as cocaine and amphetamine.

·         Obesity. Carrying excess weight can affect your body’s ability to regulate its temperature and cause your body to retain more heat

·         Sudden temperature changes. Traveling to a warm climate if you’re used to a cooler climate or living in an area that’s experienced and early heat wave.

Complications

Untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 104F or higher. Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs that can result in death.

Treatment and drugs

·         Rest in a cool place, getting into an air condition place is best, but if not at least get into a shaded area

·         Drink fluids, preferably sports drinks or water. Don’t drink fluids that have caffeine or alcohol as this can add to fluid losses

·         Apply cool water to your skin. If possible take a cool shower or soak in a cool bath. Do not use alcohol on your skin

·         Loosen clothing. Remove any unnecessary clothing and make sure your clothes are lightweight and non binding.

If you do not feel better within 60 minutes of using these treatment measures, seek prompt medical attention. You may be given Intravenous fluid to help you rehydrate. Immersion in cold water, misting you skin, placing you in front o fans, or using  cold or ice packs and cooling blankets are some techniques that may be used to bring down your body temperature.