Heat Exhaustion: Be Aware of These Signs and Be Safe

Summer is a hard season—you finally have the time to get outside and be active, but you also have to find that balance to not do too much due to the stifling heat and humidity. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself suffering from heat exhaustion.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when you’ve been exposed to high temperatures without being properly hydrated.

There are actually two different types of heat exhaustion: water depletion and salt depletion.

Heat exhaustion is different from heat stroke, but, if not treated properly, it can progress to heat stroke (which can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs).

Clinical Signs

Some of the more common signs include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Dark colored urine (dehydration)
• Headache
• Muscle or abdominal cramps
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat

For water depletion-related exhaustion, signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache and loss of consciousness.

Signs of salt depletion-related exhaustion include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness.

Treatment

If you or a loved one is suffering from the symptoms of heat exhaustion, move into a cooler location (preferably an air conditioned room) immediately. Also ensure they/you drink plenty of fluid (but not alcoholic or caffeinated beverages) and remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.

Other treatments include taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath and applying other cooling items such as an ice towel while having a fan.

WebMD recommends that if the person suffering from heat exhaustion does not feel better within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help.

Air Specialist cares about you and your family. Stay safe this summer!