Heat exhaustion is excessive
loss of salts (electrolytes) and fluids due to heat, leading to
decreased blood volume that causes many symptoms, sometimes including
fainting or collapse.
Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. Fluids and salts are more depleted, and symptoms are more severe. Heat exhaustion may progress to heatstroke if people continue to be exposed to excessive heat.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to be vague and similar to the symptoms of many
other illnesses. People may not realize that their symptoms are related
to the heat. Symptoms include
-
Dizziness
-
Light-headedness
-
Weakness
-
Fatigue
-
Headache
-
Blurred vision
-
Muscle aches
-
Nausea
-
Vomiting
Muscle cramps may occur but often do not. People may feel faint or even lose consciousness when standing. Drenching sweats are common. The heart rate and breathing rate may become rapid. Blood pressure may become low.
Unlike in heatstroke,
confusion and incoordination do not occur in heat exhaustion. Also,
body temperature is usually normal and if it is high, it is generally
not higher than 104° F (40° C).
Diagnosis
-
Symptoms and a history of exposure to heat
Heat exhaustion usually is diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms
and occurrence after exposure to heat. Laboratory tests may be needed
if doctors suspect a diagnosis other than heat exhaustion, or sometimes
to measure the levels of sodium in the blood of people who may have
drunk too much plain water.
Treatment
-
Rest in a cool environment
-
Replace fluids and salts
Treatment involves rest (stopping activity), removing people from
the hot environment, and replacing fluids and salts, either by mouth
(with a sports drink or a solution of about 1 to 2 quarts of water
containing 2 teaspoons of salt) or intravenously. Removing or loosening
clothing and wetting the skin or applying wet cloths can also aid
cooling.
After receiving fluids, people usually recover rapidly and fully.
Posts
0 Comments