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Heat Exhaustion
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Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke. It involves an individual exposed to excessive heat that develops a rapid pulse, excessive sweating and a possible elevation in temperature. The difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion is that, with heat exhaustion, you are able to sweat and your body temperature is lower, making it less dangerous than heat stroke.
The causes of heat exhaustion include prolonged exposure to high temperatures, high humidity and vigorous exercise. Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke if left untreated. Heat exhaustion is completely preventable if you know what to do.
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include having moist skin that is cool to the touch and often has goose bumps. Sweating is profuse and the patient can suffer from dizziness or can faint. There is a weak or rapid pulse and the blood pressure is low, especially when standing. The individual is very tired and may have muscle cramps from an electrolyte imbalance in the muscles. Nausea and vomiting are possible as is a headache.
You need to see the doctor if your symptoms don't resolve themselves or if they get worse after an hour of trying to control them or if the temperature in your body reaches 104 degrees F or more.
The body's main mechanism of cooling is through sweating. Sweat evaporates and regulates the temperature of the body in the process. If you challenge this process by exercising in hot, humid conditions, you can cool your body less efficiently. Heat cramps are the first thing you experience. These include cramping in the muscles. After this, you can get heat exhaustion. Drinking plenty of fluids containing electrolytes, like sports drinks, means you will have a lesser chance of getting heat exhaustion. Getting yourself to a cooler place will prevent the disease as well.
Heat exhaustion can be made worse by being dehydrated, because you don't sweat as well, use of alcohol, which impairs the ability of the body to regulate temperature and over-dressing for the weather, which impairs evaporation of sweat.
Those predisposed to getting heat exhaustion are those that are very young or very old. The ability to manage the body temperature is impaired in both the elderly and the young. Certain medications can impair the ability to sweat or can make you dehydrated on a chronic basis. These include diuretics and beta blocker drugs, antihistamines, tranquilizers and antipsychotics. Some illicit drugs can trigger the body to have a higher temperature normally, such as amphetamines, cocaine and Ecstasy. Those who are obese can hold onto body heat more. Sudden temperature changes are worse than gradual changes in temperature. Traveling from a cold climate to a warm one can predispose you to heat exhaustion.
If you don't treat heat exhaustion, you can get heat stroke, which is much more deadly. Heat exhaustion can be treated by taking a rest in a cool environment. Get into someplace air conditioned and you will begin to feel better. Drink cool liquids such as sports drinks or water. Drink nothing containing alcohol or caffeine in it. Put cold or cool water onto your skin. Try taking a cool bath or shower to get your body back to normal. Remove clothing that is restricting or too warm so as to be able to evaporate your sweat as much as possible.
If an hour goes by and you don't feel better, seek medical attention. You may need IV fluids in order to bring enough fluid into your body. Take the time to mist your skin so you can cool it faster.