Heat exhaustion occurs when the body gets too hot, which is a condition that overwhelms the body's ability to regulate body temperature. Dehydration and excessive sweating from too much heat can deprive the body of necessary fluids. Some signs of heat exhaustion may include fatigue, headache, clammy skin, thirst, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or nausea. It may even cause life-threatening conditions that need immediate medical treatment.Taking necessary precautions helps prevent the effects from heat exhaustion. People can avoid heat exhaustion or deal with its symptoms through simple remedies.
Considerations
Wearing light clothing helps prevent heat exhaustion when people are in a hot climate. People who begin to feel hot can loosen clothing or remove any unnecessary clothing to feel better or avoid heat exhaustion. Clothing in warm or hot climates should remain lightweight without bonding to the body, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Hydration
Drinking water or sports drinks helps prevent or relieve symptoms of heat exhaustion and bring body temperature back to normal according to the Mayo Clinic. However, people should avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine, which contribute to fluid loss. Drinking more fluids than usual during exercise or while working outside avoids heat exhaustion, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises.
The extra fluids keep the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body functioning normally. Dehydration causes stress on the body’s organs. Fluids maintain the balance of potassium, sodium, phosphorous and other electrolytes essential for proper functioning.
Effects
People feeling the effects of heat exhaustion should try to find a cool place to rest, such as an air-conditioned building or a shady spot, the Mayo Clinic notes. They should rest on their back with the legs elevated higher than the heart level if possible. Fans, misting the skin, cold or ice packs and cooling blankets help a person keep cool and bring down the body temperature.
A cool shower or bath can relieve or prevent the effects of heat exhaustion. Applying cool water to the skin will help if bathing facilities are not available. The Mayo Clinic does not advise using alcohol on the skin.
Theories/Speculation
Some herbs may help reduce body temperature, but no studies have proven their effectiveness according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Chinese skullcap is one herb that may lower body temperature by dilating blood vessels near the skin surface to reduce temperature. Elder flower, willow bark and yarrow have been used to treat fever. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that may stimulate sweat glands.
These remedies may work as preventative measures when planning on physical activity in the heat, but checking with a doctor before use is recommended. Mineral supplements, such as calcium, magnesium or potassium, may help avoid heat exhaustion. Dark leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and bananas contain high levels of these minerals.
Warning
When heat exhaustion cannot be effectively self-treated, immediate medical attention is necessary. If not feeling better within 30 minutes from the effects of heat exhaustion, people are advised to contact a doctor according to FamilyDoctor.org. Heat exhaustion can result in high body temperatures that lead to heat stroke, seizures, coma or even death if not treated.
