Heat Exhaustion – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Heat exhaustion is a serious heat-related illness caused by overheating and fluid loss. Key signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, and weakness. Prompt cooling and rehydration are essential.
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Heat exhaustion is a serious heat-related illness caused by overheating and fluid loss. Key signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, and weakness. Prompt cooling and rehydration are essential.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body overheats and can no longer regulate its temperature effectively. It is considered a moderate form of heat illness – more serious than heat cramps but less dangerous than the life-threatening heatstroke. Without timely treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.
Causes
Heat exhaustion is typically caused by a combination of high ambient temperatures, physical exertion, and insufficient fluid intake. The body loses large amounts of water and electrolytes (minerals such as sodium and potassium) through sweat.
- Exposure to hot or humid environments
- Intense physical activity in the heat (e.g., sports, outdoor work)
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- High humidity, which reduces the effectiveness of sweating
Risk Groups
Certain individuals are at greater risk of developing heat exhaustion:
- Elderly people and young children
- People with cardiovascular disease or diabetes
- Individuals taking certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)
- People who are overweight
- Those not acclimatized to heat
Symptoms
The symptoms of heat exhaustion typically develop gradually and may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Pale, cool, or moist skin
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Elevated body temperature (usually below 40 °C / 104 °F)
A key distinction from heatstroke: in heat exhaustion, the person remains conscious and continues to sweat.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on an assessment of symptoms and circumstances. In a medical setting, the following evaluations may be performed:
- Body temperature measurement
- Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
- Blood tests to check electrolyte levels and kidney function
- Urinalysis (to check for signs of dehydration)
Treatment
Prompt action is essential in cases of heat exhaustion. Treatment focuses on cooling the body and restoring fluid and electrolyte balance.
Immediate First Aid
- Move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area immediately
- Loosen or remove tight or heavy clothing
- Apply cool, damp cloths to the forehead, neck, and wrists
- Encourage slow sipping of cool water or electrolyte-containing drinks
- Have the person lie down with legs slightly elevated (if dizzy or faint)
Medical Treatment
If the condition does not improve within 30 minutes, or if confusion or loss of consciousness occurs, emergency services (911 or local emergency number) should be called immediately. In a hospital setting, intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.
Distinguishing Heat Exhaustion from Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. It differs from heat exhaustion by a body temperature above 40 °C (104 °F), confusion or loss of consciousness, and dry, hot skin (sweating has stopped). If heatstroke is suspected, call emergency services immediately.
Prevention
- Stay well hydrated – drink fluids even when not thirsty (at least 1.5–2 liters per day, more in hot weather)
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
- Schedule strenuous activities during cooler parts of the day
- Take regular breaks in the shade or in cool spaces
- Look out for vulnerable people in your surroundings
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Heat and Health. Geneva, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Extreme Heat – Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness. Atlanta, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
- Bouchama A, Knochel JP: Heat Stroke. New England Journal of Medicine, 2002; 346(25): 1978–1988.
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