Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people who are not well adjusted to heat exercise outdoors. When your body works continuously in the heat, it produces sweat to try to cool itself down. By continuously sweating, your body loses precious fluids that are desperately needed in the heat, causing a vicious cycle.

If you're worried that you may be suffering from heat exhaustion, there are a number of symptoms you should look for.

These include a moderately increased temperature, dizziness, paleness, nausea, severe thirst, muscle weakness, vomiting and fainting.

If you are only experience mild symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's important that you drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) and that you cool yourself down in a cool room or with ice packs. However, if more severe symptoms present themselves, it's important that you seek medical help immediately, especially if you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down. If not treated properly, heat exhaustion can result in severe debilitation and even death.

To avoid heat exhaustion, stay indoors during extremely hot weather and if outdoor activities must be pursued, do so with caution and don't overexert yourself. If staying indoors, make sure the air conditioning is running. If air conditioning is not available, use room fans and keep the lights off to try to keep the room cool. Ice packs and cold washcloths can also help keep your body temperature at an acceptable level.

With a little knowledge and foresight, heat exhaustion is entirely preventable.



References:

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic236.htm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/heat_exhaustion_heatstroke_sheet.html



 

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