Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion You Need to Know This Summer!

Summer's finally here and we're spending more time in the sun doing activities such as swimming, biking, fishing, and all the things we can only dream of doing during the colder months. But ,as the heat and humidity levels climb, it's important to take precautions to prevent heat related illness, the most common of which is heat exhaustion. Do you know the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

First of all, what causes heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when you lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium by exercising in a hot environment. When fluid and electrolytes are lost and not replaced, the body can go into a form of shock. Heat exhaustion symptoms include weakness, lighheadedness, dizziness, extreme thirst, nausea, as well as muscle aches and cramps. You'll often experience profuse sweating and cold, clammy skin.

It's important to distinguish heat exhaustion from a more serious, life threatening illness known as heat stroke. With heat stroke, your body has lost it's ability to regulate temperature and can't dissipate the heat, as it can during simple heat exhaustion. In a person suffering from this grave condition, the skin becomes very red and hot to the touch due to the inability to sweat. Other symptoms include headache, confusion, rapid heart rate, extreme fatigue, and even seizures and death. This is a true medical emergency and the person should receive immediate medical care at a health care facility. Heat exhaustion can develop rapidly into heat stroke without any warning, so be aware of any changes in symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, how should it should be treated?

If it appears to be a simple case of heat exhaustion, try giving the person fluids and moving them to a cool environment. Douse them in cold water and have them rest.. If symptoms persist for longer than 20 minutes, seek medical attention. Get medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms develop:

1. Development of hot dry skin with inability to sweat.

2. Confusion or disorientation.

3. Vomiting

4. Fainting or loss of consciousness.