It's very hot and humid and you're taking a walk. Suddenly you feel dizzy, nauseated and thirsty. These are warning signs that you may have heat exhaustion. Your body's temperature should be about 98.6 F (37c). Untreated, heat exhaustion can advance to a dangerous heatstroke if your core body temperature rises to an unhealthy level of 104 F (40c), according to the Mayo Clinic. A heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. It may require intravenous fluids (IV) to help your body rehydrate and avoid damage to vital organs or the brain, or can cause death.
Signs and Symptoms
The incidence of heat exhaustion is more prevalent in warm climates where humidity is high. Heat exhaustion occurs when you don't drink enough fluids. As your body overheats you might look pale, feel faint or feel a headache coming on. As it progresses, you may develop a low-grade fever. Fatigue sets in. Your blood pressure lowers. "Heat exhaustion means that your vital organs aren't getting enough blood. With less blood available you will feel light-headed and weak. Other symptoms include cool, pale, clammy skin," warns Bill Gottlieb, author of Alternative Cures.
No Advance Warnings
Although it may take time to become so drastically dehydrated, the warning signs of heat exhaustion happen suddenly. One minute you are moving about energetically and the next moment your skin feels hot and moist. Your face reddens. The first time it happens, you may be confused by your symptoms, thinking you have become ill due to something you ate. However, treating the symptoms for heat exhaustion should bring you welcome relief.
Treating Heat Exhaustion
The first thing to do is find a shady place to rest or get inside a cool place if you can. Air conditioning helps cool you down, but you can rebound even faster if you apply cold compresses, ice or cool water to your skin. A wet cool towel around your neck or on your forehead helps. If you are in a situation where you cannot go inside, dousing your self with water helps cool down your body. When you get heat exhaustion, your body is running out of electrolytes. Drink cold water or a fluid with electrolytes in it, such as Gatorade. Lie flat on your back and elevate your legs higher than your heart. If you don't feel relief in 30 minutes, seek medical help.
Risk Factors
Young children, babies, the elderly and obese people are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion and are the most vulnerable, according to Mayo Clinic. The bodies of young children are not developed enough to effectively regulate temperatures in extreme weather conditions. Adults over 65 who take commonly prescribed medicines that have the side effect of dehydration are also more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Obesity also makes a person susceptible to the heat. According to Mayo Clinic, "Carrying excess weight can affect your body's ability to regulate its temperature and cause your body to retain more heat."
Prevention
Use common sense. Drink lots of water and avoid caffeinated beverages, as they dehydrate the body. In hot weather, wear loose-fitting clothing that keeps you cool and wear a hat. Use an umbrella if you have to walk any distance. Stay out of the sun during the heat of the day. If you are outdoors and really feel hot and sticky, splash your face with water. Get your hair wet and the back of your neck. Do not be embarrassed to spray water on your clothing or mist your face with your water bottle. For many who have experienced heat exhaustion once, it may occur again. Liquid mineral supplements can be taken daily if you must work or play outdoors during the hotter times of the year, according to Alternative Cures. Supplements that include magnesium, calcium and manganese are water-based and help with rehydration. Mix one-half teaspoon of the minerals in four ounces of water three times a day.
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