Diseases & Conditions

Heat Exhaustion

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 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.

If you think you're experiencing heat exhaustion, then first try to cool off by:

• Moving to a cooler place
• Drinking cool water or sports drinks
• Resting with your legs elevated above heart level

Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms worsen or if they don't improve within 30 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher.

Untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs or death.

In most cases, you can treat heat exhaustion yourself by doing the following:

• Rest in a cool place. Getting into an air-conditioned building is best, but at the least, find a shady spot. Rest on your back with your legs elevated higher than your heart level.
• Drink cool fluids. Stick to water or sports drinks. Don't drink any beverages that have alcohol or caffeine, either of which can contribute to fluid loss.
• Apply cool water to your skin. If possible, take a cool shower or soak in a cool bath. Don't use alcohol on your skin.
• Loosen clothing. Remove any unnecessary clothing and make sure your clothes aren't binding.

If you don't begin to feel better within a half-hour using these treatment measures, seek prompt medical attention. You may be given intravenous (IV) fluids to help you rehydrate. Immersion in cold water, misting your skin, and placing you in front of fans or using cold or ice packs and cooling blankets are some of the techniques that may be used to bring down your body temperature.