Heat Exhaustion Explained - What It Is, How to Recognize it and How to Treat It

Heat exhaustion occurs when one of two things happen. The outside temperature is extremely high or the body becomes overheated and dehydrated. Allowing heat exhaustion to continue can result in a heat-related illness called heatstroke, which can in some cases be fatal or can cause end organ dysfunction. In order for a person to experience either of these cases, the body must reach a point where it is unable to release the amount of heat that is being generated either internally or by external factors. When the body is unable to regulate this function heat exhaustion and then heat stroke can occur.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion can be difficult to spot. In some cases, they can be very subtle and it may be difficult to recognize as the symptoms of heat exhaustion. In many cases, the initial symptoms are the same as those you may experience with the beginning symptoms of a viral infection and are often easy to miss. Symptoms may progress to irritability, dizziness, a feeling of nausea, weakness and fatigue. You may also experience a headache, muscle cramps and myalgias with eventual vomiting and fainting as symptoms progress.

Other symptoms may include changes in blood pressure and an orthostatic pulse, a body temperature of less than 106 degrees however, it is also possible for heat exhaustion to occur with a normal body temperature. Sweating may or may not be present as another physical reaction to heat exhaustion. In order to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses and symptoms treatment is necessary.

Treatment of sunstroke, heat cramps and dehydration may be necessary when treating heat exhaustion. Such treatments include removing the person to an area, which is out of direct heat such as a shady location. If possible, remove the person to an area, which is air-conditioned. Have the person lie down and elevate their legs and feet. Swelling can often be a side effect of some of the symptoms such as dehydration, which makes it harder for the body to release the heat, which has become trapped and caused the body to experience a thermal overload. By reducing the swelling, you can help to relieve the body of pressure as well as help to promote circulation.

Once you have the patient resting comfortably, make sure they drink plenty of water. It is important that the water be cool but not cold. Placing cold water into an overheated system can cause a shock. Small amounts of cool water frequently while fanning and wiping the person down to cool them off will provide faster relief without creating a shock to the person suffering from heat exhaustion and allow them to recover more quickly.

Heat cramps are often a symptom of heat exhaustion. To treat them find place to rest and cool off, drink a drink that contains electrolytes or if one is not available consider clear juices, slowly and carefully stretch the affected muscle area as well as provide a gentle massage. The cramps should go away in a few minutes. If the cramps do not after an hour seek professional medical attention.

There are a number of things that you can do to help to prevent heat exhaustion. One of the biggest things and easiest to forget is to drink plenty of liquids. The body has a more difficult time dealing with external or internal heat if it lacks necessary fluids. Making sure that you take time to replenish what your body is losing is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. It is important also to rest frequently and if possible in a shady area. If you are working indoors make sure there is adequate airflow and ventilation to help facilitate evaporation and keep your body cool.

When changing seasons such as cooler spring to summer or changing to a climate you are unfamiliar with take the time to become acclimated to the climate before doing heavy exercise or work. It takes a different amount of time for each person to become used to the temperature. This is why people who are unused to an area are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion than individuals who have grown up and are used to the environment. By taking preventative measures and treating symptoms as soon as possible, you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat cramps as well as more extreme heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

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  References:

  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/FA00020
  http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/770413-overview
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-cramps/FA00021
  
  
  

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