Heat exhaustion occurs when your body can no longer regulate its core temperature. It can be caused by strenuous activity and high humidity. Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Treat heat exhaustion immediately by stopping activity, getting to a cooler place, and drinking cool water or a sports drink. MayoClinic.com advises calling your doctor if your symptoms worsen, or aren't better after an hour. Seek emergency medical care immediately if your temperature goes over 104 degrees F.
Preliminary Symptoms
Before developing heat exhaustion, you may get heat cramps, the mildest type of heat-related syndrome. These painful muscle spasms usually strike the arms, legs or abdomen. In addition to muscle cramping, you may experience sweating, tiredness and extreme thirst. Moving to a shady or air-conditioned place, resting, and drinking a cool beverage such as water or a sports drink can treat heat cramps and stop them from progressing to heat exhaustion. Oklahoma State University Environmental Health and Safety says that you can also apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. MayoClinic.com notes that children younger than 4 and adults older than 65 are particularly at risk for heat-related conditions; obesity and using certain medications can also increase risk.
Profuse Sweating
Heat exhaustion symptoms can appear suddenly, or may develop after many hours or even days of exposure. A primary symptom is heavy sweating, with skin that feels cool and moist; goose bumps may appear, and you may become unusually pale. According to DrReddy.com, the presence of sweating indicates heat exhaustion rather than heatstroke; with the latter, there is no perspiration at all.
Pulse, Blood Pressure and Temperature
If you are suffering from heat exhaustion, your pulse will be weak and rapid; Oklahoma State University Environmental Health and Safety says it may range from 120 to 200 beats per minutes, while blood pressure will be low to normal. DrReddy.com says that heat exhaustion can cause a moderate increase in body temperature, to between 101 and 102 degrees F.
Muscle Cramps and Headaches
Heat exhaustion may also bring painful contractions, or cramps, often in the hamstring muscles at the back of your calves, as well as in the arms or stomach. You may also develop a headache.
Dizziness, Fatigue and Mental Disturbance
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling faint, weak, off-balance, lightheaded or dizzy. Your head may feel as if it is "swimming," or you may feel as if you are fading in and out of consciousness. Oklahoma State University Environmental Health and Safety notes that you may also feel fatigued, confused, uncoordinated or anxious; your judgment may also be impaired.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Stomach disturbances are another indication of heat exhaustion. You may have a complete lack of appetite, or become nauseated. According to DrReddy.com, vomiting can sometimes occur.
