Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion, or heat prostration, a condition usually produced by overexertion in hot temperatures.

During exertion the body perspires and sweat evaporates to cool the skin and prevent body temperature from rising. Perspiration causes the loss of fluids and salts normally replaced by regularly consuming liquids and food. However, if prolonged, excessive sweating occurs, fluids and salts are not replaced rapidly enough. This causes blood circulation to diminish, affecting the brain, heart, and lungs, and heat exhaustion results.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; pale, clammy skin; dilated pupils; a slightly elevated body temperature; and cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, mental confusion, and sometimes unconsciousness.

First aid for heat exhaustion begins with removing the affected person from the source of heat to a cool place, preferably near a fan or air conditioner. Elevate the person’s legs to improve blood circulation to the brain; loosen clothing; and cool the body with wet compresses or ice packs, but not an alcoholic rub. Massage the arms and legs if cramping occurs. If the person is responsive to conversation and not nauseated, give electrolyte beverages or water that is slightly salty. If neither of these are immediately available, give cool water alone. However, do not give the person alcohol or caffeine, which interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and do not administer any medication to reduce body temperature. Also, stop the person from cooling too quickly to prevent shock, a reduction of blood flow to body tissues that can cause increased anxiety; pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; possible fainting; or in more serious cases, coma or death. A person who experiences heat exhaustion should be checked by a doctor after several hours of rest, and should not engage in strenuous activities for one or two days.