Heat exhaustion & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after exposure to high temperatures, often accompanied by dehydration.

There are two types of heat exhaustion:

• Deplete water. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headaches and loss of consciousness
• Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness.

Although heat exhaustion is not as serious as heat stroke, it cannot be taken lightly. Without proper treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

How common is heat exhaustion?

Heat stroke is very common and can occur in patients of any age. This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion?

The characteristics and symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

• Dazed
• Cloudy urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizzy
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or stomach cramps
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Excessive sweating
• Heart beat fast
• Cold, clammy skin and goosebumps when exposed to heat
• Weak and fast heartbeat
• Low blood pressure when standing

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you think you are experiencing heat exhaustion:

• Stop all activities and rest
• Move to a cooler place
• Drink cold water or energy drinks

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes heat exhaustion?

In hot weather, your body cools off by sweating. Evaporation from sweat regulates body temperature. However, when you exercise vigorously in hot and humid weather, your body is unable to cool itself down efficiently. As a result, your body can experience heat cramps, the mildest type of heat-related illness.

You can usually treat heat cramps by consuming fluids or drinks that contain electrolytes, moving to a cooler temperature, such as an air-conditioned or shaded place to rest.

Apart from hot weather and strenuous activity, other causes of heat exhaustion include:

• Dehydration, which reduces the body's ability to sweat and maintains a normal temperature
• Alcohol consumption, which can affect the body's ability to regulate body temperature
• Overdressing, especially clothes that don't let sweat evaporate easily

Risk factors

What increases my risk for heat exhaustion?

There are many risk factors for heat exhaustion, namely:

• Age: infants and children under 4 years and elderly over 65 years are at higher risk of heat exhaustion. The body's ability to regulate temperature is not properly established in children and can be decreased by disease, medications or other factors in the elderly.
• Certain drugs: drugs that affect the body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat include drugs for high blood pressure and heart problems (beta blockers, diuretics), reduce allergy symptoms (antihistamines), sedation or reduce psychiatric symptoms such as delusions (antipsychotics). In addition, some illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can increase the central temperature.
• Obesity: being overweight can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and cause the body to retain more heat.
• Sudden temperature changes: if you are not used to heat, you are more susceptible to heat-related ailments, such as heat exhaustion. Traveling to a hot climate from a cold climate or living in an area that experiences an initial heat wave can put you at risk for heat-related illness because your body doesn't have the opportunity to adapt to higher temperatures.
• High heat index: heat index is a temperature value that shows how outdoor temperature and humidity affect you. When humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate easily and it is harder for your body to cool down, leaving you vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If the index is 330 C or higher, you should take care to keep cool.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is heat exhaustion diagnosed?

If you need medical attention for heat exhaustion, it will appear to medical personnel that you have heat exhaustion, or they can take the temperature to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate heatstroke. If your doctor suspects heat exhaustion has progressed to heatstroke, you may need additional tests, such as:

• Additional tests to see the level of sodium or potassium and gas content in the blood
• Urine test to see the concentration and composition of urine and check kidney function, which can be affected by heatstroke
• Muscle function tests to check for rhabdomyolysis - serious damage to muscle tissue
• Imaging tests to look for damage to internal organs

What are the treatments for heat exhaustion?

If you do not get better within 1 hour or after doing self-treatment, seek medical attention immediately. You can be given intravenous fluids to keep you hydrated. Soaking in cold water, spraying water on the skin, being in front of a fan, using a cold compress are some of the techniques for lowering your body temperature.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be made to treat heat exhaustion?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with heat exhaustion:

• Rest in a cool place. It's best to be in an air-conditioned building, but at the very least, find a shaded area or sit in front of a fan. Rest your head with your feet raised above heart level.
• Drink cold drinks. Only consume water or energy drinks. Don't drink alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Cool down. If possible, take a cold shower, soak in cold water or place a towel soaked in cold water on the skin.
• Loosen clothes. Remove unnecessary clothing and make sure clothes are light and unbound.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.