When the body has difficulty maintaining its temperature and becomes too hot, heat exhaustion is the result. As the body temperature rises, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to life-threatening heat stroke if left unchecked. Someone afflicted with heat exhaustion should make every effort to cool off, but it is better to avoid becoming dangerously overheated in the first place. Many things can contribute to the development of heat exhaustion by making the body more vulnerable to warm environmental conditions.
Hot Conditions
A common cause of heat exhaustion is hot weather, especially if it is also humid. Some people may not experience heat exhaustion on the first day of exposure to extreme weather, but may develop it after a few days in the same conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have to spend a lot of time in hot conditions should try to retreat to an air conditioned location for at least a little while each day. They should also take care to note when an enclosed area is significantly hotter than the surrounding air, such as in a parked car, sauna or hot tub, and take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion in those circumstances, too.
Strenuous Activity
Strenuous activity can also lead to heat exhaustion, especially when combined with hot weather. People whose jobs require physical exertion, such as soldiers, laborers or athletes, should start their work slowly, pacing themselves to gradually build up to tasks requiring more effort. They should also take care not to become dehydrated and maintain an adequate intake of fluids containing electrolytes for the level of activity and the amount of sweat they are producing. Individuals doing planned physical activities should drink something before, during and after the activity to maintain good fluid levels at all times.
Medications and Drugs
The American Academy of Family Physicians warns that some medications may affect the way the body handles maintaining body temperature in hot conditions. Prescription medications that affect the body's temperature control include anticonvulsants for seizure disorders, beta blockers and vasoconstrictors used to treat heart disease, diuretics, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Over-the-counter medicines that may cause heat exhaustion include antihistamines, diet pills and laxatives. Illegal drugs such as cocaine may also limit the body's response to heat and allow heat exhaustion to develop. Alcohol can also be a factor in the development of heat exhaustion.
Overdressing
Overdressing causes some instances of heat exhaustion when the clothing is so heavy and restrictive that it prevents the body from effectively dispersing heat. Individuals who are concerned about what to wear in hot and humid conditions should choose lightweight materials that are loose fitting. Lighter colored clothes also help keep the body cool by reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it and raising the body temperature.
