Heat exhaustion is a severe form of heat illness. It is a medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of water and electrolytes through sweating.
Common causes of heat exhaustion include:
Hot, sunny, humid weatherPhysical exertion, especially in hot, humid weatherDue to impaired thermoregulation, elderly people and infants can get serious heat illness even at rest, if the weather outside is hot and humid, and they are not getting enough cool air.Some drugs, such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, ecstasy, and amphetamines can cause an increase in the risk of heat exhaustion.Especially during physical exertion, risk factors for heat exhaustion include:
Wearing dark, padded, or insulated clothing; hats; and/or helmets (for example, football pads or turnout gear)Having a higher percentage of body fatDehydrationFeverSome medications, like beta blockers and antipsychotic medicinesSigns and symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, irritability, headache, thirst, weakness, high body temperature, excessive sweating, and decreased urine output.
First aid for heat exhaustion includes:
Moving the person to a cool placeHaving the patient take off extra layers of clothesCooling the patient down by fanning them and putting wet towels on their bodyHaving them lie down and put their feet up if they are feeling dizzyHaving them drink water or sports drinks – but only if they are awake, not confused nor vomitingTurning the person on their side if they are vomitingIf a person with heat exhaustion gets medical treatment, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or doctors and/or nurses may also:
Give them supplemental oxygenGive them intravenous fluids and electrolytes if they are too confused to drink and/or are vomitingIf untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke.
