Heat Exhaustion

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• Heat Exhaustion Facts
• What Causes Heat Exhaustion?
• What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Heat Exhaustion?
• When Should I Call the Doctor About Heat Exhaustion?
• How Is Heat Exhaustion Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Heat Exhaustion?
• Heat Exhaustion in Children
• Heat Exhaustion in Dogs and Other Animals
• How Can I Prevent Heat Exhaustion?
• What Is the Prognosis for Heat Exhaustion?

• Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body overheats.
• Heat exhaustion is caused by the failure of the body's cooling mechanism to maintain a normal core temperature.
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include
  • weakness,
  • muscle cramping,
  • heavy sweating,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • fainting,
  • nausea and/or vomiting,
  • a rapid pulse,
  • thirst, and
  • clammy skin.
• Heat exhaustion is diagnosed based on the patient's history of heat exposure, physical exam, symptoms and a body core temperature that is elevated.
• Treatment for heat exhaustion includes removing the individual from the hot environment, cooling the body, and rehydration.
• Complications of heat exhaustion include progression to heat stroke, a medical emergency that can lead to permanent organ damage and death. In pregnant women, it may harm the fetus.
• Heat exhaustion can be prevented by adequate fluid intake and decreasing strenuous activity in hot environments. Pregnant women develop more heat intolerance as their pregnancy advances.
• Animals (dogs and cats, for example) can develop heat exhaustion, and the treatment and prevention is similar to that of humans.

The main cause of heat exhaustion is failure of the body's cooling mechanism (mainly evaporative sweating) to maintain a normal core body temperature, resulting in the body overheating. This can occur in adults, children and animals (dogs and cats, for example). Factors that can contribute to heat exhaustion include

• strenuous work or exercise in a warm or hot environment,
• dehydration,
• alcohol intake, and
• wearing clothing that inhibits evaporative cooling of the body.

The elderly and children under 5 years of age are at higher risk for developing heat exhaustion.

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