Heat exhaustion symptoms: Headache? Signs the heatwave is making you unwell

HEAT exhaustion symptoms and signs may be caused by hot temperatures, or doing strenuous physical activity. While the condition itself is not usually dangerous, it can lead to the life-threatening condition heat stroke if not treated properly. Watch out for these eight symptoms of heat exhaustion during this summer’s heatwave.

Heat exhaustion symptoms may be unpleasant for the sufferer and can come on suddenly.

Caused by high temperatures, Britons may be particularly at risk during this summers heatwave.

The condition is “not serious”, according to the NHS, but can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms.

“It usually gets better when you cool down,” they continued online.

Sufferers need to be careful to avoid their condition turning into heat stroke, which can be life threatening.

Heat exhaustion symptoms: Muscle cramps? Eight signs you got too much sunlight

Signs of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness and confusion, and loss of appetite, according to the NHS.

Feeling sick, excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin, and muscle cramps may also be a sign.

Fast breathing, a temperature above 38C or intense thirst can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

“Symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy,” they continued.

“If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion they need to be cooled down,” the healthcare provider advised.

heat exhaustion symptoms signs heatstroke headache heatwave hot weather

Heat exhaustion symptoms: Having a headache or muscle cramps could be a sign of the condition (Image: Getty)

heat exhaustion symptoms signs heatstroke headache heatwave hot weather

Heat exhaustion symptoms: Many Britons have enjoyed the heatwave this summer, increasing risk (Image: Getty)

The Mayo Clinic said heat exhaustion symptoms can include “heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating.


The condition may be caused by high temperatures, “particularly when combined with high humidity”, and strenuous physical activity.

Describing how it comes about, the Mayo Clinic said in hot weather “your body cools itself mainly by sweating. The evaporation of your sweat regulates your body temperature.


“As a result, your body may develop heat cramps, the mildest form of heat-related illnesses.”

heat exhaustion symptoms signs heatstroke headache heatwave hot weather

Heat exhaustion symptoms: The condition happens when the body gets too hot, causing signs to appear (Image: Getty)

It is possible to avoid heat exhaustion by taking steps to keep cool.

“Drink plenty of cold drinks, take cool baths or showers and wear light-coloured loose clothing,” advised the NHS.

“Sprinkle water over skin, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoid excess alcohol and extreme exercise,” they continued.

“There is a high risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during hot weather or exercise”, they warned.

For someone receiving cooling treatment, their temperature should start to drop “within 30 minutes”.