What is heat exhaustion?

by Dr. Sandy | Comments

Reader Question: Is there really such a thing as heat exhaustion? How do I know if I have it?

On Call Response: Yes, there is such a thing. It can happen to anyone and it can be deadly. Your best bet is to prevent it: If it’s very hot out, drink plenty of fluids (don’t wait until you are thirsty) and take occasional breaks in the shade—or air conditioning!—to cool down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness. If you experience any of these, get out of the sun and sip on water to rehydrate. When heat exhaustion isn’t treated, it can turn into heatstroke, a life-threatening condition in which the body’s temperature control mechanism is overwhelmed and can no longer function properly. The skin becomes red, hot and dry, breathing becomes shallow and heart rate increases. A person may appear confused or disoriented and can even become comatose.

If someone appears to be suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately—time is of the essence. Placing ice packs in the groin, under the neck and under the arms can facilitate the cooling process while you’re waiting for help to arrive.

