Heat exhaustion is defined as a heat-related illness that can occur after being exposed to high temperatures. This develops when your body responds to external factors such as high temperature. Commonly reported in individuals who spent a lot of time outdoors such as athletes and outdoor workers, heat exhaustion can happen to anyone.
Babies, small children, and older adults are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. It can also occur if you are sitting in a hot car or any indoor area without proper air circulation. Less severe than heat stroke, heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration . However, a lack of attention can worsen the condition and cause heatstroke, which can result in brain and other vital organ damage and even death .
Types Of Heat ExhaustionThe most common signs of the condition are as follows :
Also read: 7 Signs That Your Body Is Overheating And Ways To Manage It
Causes Of Heat ExhaustionThe condition occurs when your body temperature increases excessively and your body is not able to cool yourself down quickly. Common during the summer season, the heat exhaustion can also occur in high humidity combined with high temperatures. Another common cause of heat exhaustion is sitting in a hot car with no air conditioning. Heat exhaustion develops when your body is excessively active in hot climates and or when you exercise strenuously in hot, humid weather .
Some of the other causes of heat exhaustion are dehydration, alcohol use and overdressing.
Risk Factors Of Heat ExhaustionIn the absence or lack of timely care, heat exhaustion can cause heatstroke. Heatstroke can cause damage to your brain and other vital organs and also death .
Diagnosis Of Heat ExhaustionA medical expert will be able to quickly understand if you are having heat exhaustion. If your doctors suspect your heat exhaustion may have progressed to heatstroke, you may need additional tests, such as the following :
Also read: Heat Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment And Prevention
Treatment For Heat ExhaustionMostly, you can treat the condition by yourself through the following measures :
If one does not feel better even after carrying out the aforementioned steps, get medical attention. A doctor may carry out the following steps to manage the symptoms of heatstroke :
There are various ways through which one can prevent the onset of heat exhaustion and they are as follows :