Overexposure to heat combined with inadequate rehydration can cause heat exhaustion. The symptoms are pale, clammy skin; profuse sweating; dizziness; weak, rapid pulse; shallow breathing; nausea; headache; and loss of consciousness.
The collapse of an individual, characterized by prolonged sweating and inadequate replacement of salt and fluid without failure of the body’s heat regulating system.
A heat-related injury that causes symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, pale and moist skin, heavy perspiration, normal or low body temperature, weak pulse, dilated pupils, disorientation, fainting spells.
A significant drop in sodium level in the body resulting in the withdrawal of water from the cells causing dehydration.
Collapse caused by physical exertion in hot conditions, involving loss of salt and body fluids.
Condition characterized by dizziness, nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, and pale, cool skin and caused by overexposure to intense heat and depletion of body fluids and electrolytes. It is most common in infants and the elderly. Recovery usually occurs with rest, replacement of water and electrolytes, and removal from the intense heat. Also called heat prostration.
A condition in which the body produces heat faster than it can sweat it off; overexposure to heat. Heat exhaustion is characterized by cool, moist, pale skin; headache; nausea and vomiting; weakness; and dizziness or fainting.
Fatigue and collapse due to the low blood pressure and blood volume that result from loss of body fluids and salts after prolonged or unaccustomed exposure to heat. It is most common in new arrivals in a hot climate and is treated by giving drinks or intravenous injections of salted water.
An acute reaction to a hot, humid environment marked by profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, and profound fatigue as the result of excess fluid loss from the body. Heat exhaustion differs from heat stroke in that the body’s thermoregulatory system is still functioning; if untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
A condition in which the body becomes heated to a higher temperature than normal.
A condition that occurs when a person is exposed to excessive heat over a period of time, caused by the loss of water and salt from the body through excessive perspiration.
Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs due to excessive exposure to heat, leading to fatigue and possible collapse. The primary causes of heat exhaustion include not drinking enough water, inadequate salt intake, and a lack of sweat production. Alongside fatigue, individuals may experience symptoms like faintness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and, in cases of significant salt loss, heat cramps. People with heat exhaustion typically have pale and clammy skin, fast and shallow breathing, and a rapid and weak pulse. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke.
The treatment for heat exhaustion typically involves rest and the rehydration of lost water and salt. Prevention of heat exhaustion is usually achieved through gradual acclimatization to hot conditions.
Individuals unaccustomed to tropical climates or working in hot environments, like a foundry, might sweat out several pints a day. Along with the sweat, a significant amount of the body’s salt is lost. This can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fainting, or even unconsciousness. The immediate remedy involves keeping the person cool and quickly replenishing the lost fluids and salts. This can be done by providing ample drinks made of a quarter tablespoon of salt per glass of water, with a touch of fruit flavor for taste. If a person has lost so much fluid that they stop sweating, they might be progressing from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.