Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluids than you are taking in. Fluids, especially water, are important to the body's various metabolic functions. Heat exhaustion occurs after several days of exposure to high temperatures with inadequate fluid supply. It is a milder form of heat stroke, which occurs when the body cannot regulate its own temperature. Both dehydration and heat exhaustion can affect the body's potassium levels.
Identification
Potassium is an electrolyte, an electrically charge molecule involved in various body functions. Potassium is important for the heart, kidneys, muscles and nerves to function properly. It helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body, helps in the contraction of muscles and works to maintain the heart at a regular rate and rhythm.
Causes
Heat exposure can result in dehydration and heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can occur with or without physical exertion. In heat exhaustion, the body maintains its ability to regulate heat, keeping the body's temperature within normal levels. Causes of dehydration include heat-related illnesses, infections with viruses and bacteria and decreased water intake. Dehydration can result in loss of electrolytes like potassium.
Symptoms
The symptoms of heat exhaustion can be nonspecific and include weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Loss of consciousness is common, especially if standing for a long time in the heat. The symptoms of dehydration can also include dizziness and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of both conditions include decreased urine output, dry lips and mucous membranes and dry skin. Both conditions can increase your heart rate, as the body tries to overcome the decreased fluid volume by circulating more blood within the body.
Warning
The levels of potassium in the blood are tightly regulated, so small changes can have serious health consequences. High potassium can be particularly dangerous to the heart, causing ventricular fibrillation, a potentially lethal heart rhythm that impairs the blood flow. Low potassium levels can also cause arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms.
Treatment
The treatment for heat exhaustion starts with prevention of the condition, by drinking noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages, resting, wearing lightweight clothing and staying in an air-conditioned environment. The treatment for dehydration includes oral or intravenous fluids and slow correction of electrolyte abnormalities, including normalizing potassium levels.
