When our body gets too hot and can’t cool down, it can lead to heat exhaustion. This typically happens during physical activity or exercise, especially in hot and humid weather. Sweating is how the body loses fluids during physical activity, and it’s important to replenish those fluids by drinking water or other liquids. If one becomes dehydrated and doesn’t replenish the fluids, one’s risk of heat exhaustion increases. Left untreated, it can even progress to heatstroke.

Causes
A combination of warm weather and physical exertion causes heat exhaustion. Beyond this, a few additional factors that heighten the risk of heat exhaustion are:

Kidney or liver infections
High humidity, mainly over 60 percent
Strenuous or intense physical work
Heart disease
Underlying conditions that amplify the risk of dehydration, such as hyperglycemia or diabetes
Being under 4 or over 65 years of age
High blood pressure
Certain treatments, such as those used for depression, insomnia, allergies, and poor circulation that can increase the risk of dehydration
Injuries where a body’s portion is pinned down or compressed by a heavy object

Symptoms
Heat exhaustion symptoms may commence suddenly or aggravate over time. Some common heat exhaustion symptoms are:

Dizziness
Heavy sweating
Moist, cool skin with goosebumps while in the heat
Fatigue
Faintness
Muscle cramps
Low blood pressure upon standing
Rapid or weak pulse
Headache
Nausea

Treatment
When one has heat exhaustion symptoms, it is imperative to instantly get out of the heat and lie down, typically in an air-conditioned room. However, if one cannot find a cool indoor location, one can seek the nearest shady and cool place. Other recommended strategies that can help are:

Taking a cool bath, shower, or sponge bath
Drinking plenty of fluids, mainly sports drinks, for salt replenishment
Use other cooling measures like ice towels or fans
Remove any unnecessary or tight clothing

However, if these methods do not offer relief within 15 minutes, get immediate medical help because heat exhaustion may aggravate heat stroke if left untreated. Once a person recovers from heat exhaustion, their body is more sensitive to high temperatures the following week. Hence, it is best to avoid heavy exercise or hot weather until the doctor concludes it is safe to return to normal activities.

Prevention
One can take measures to avoid heat exhaustion by taking simple prevention measures. These are as follows:

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially before, during and after exercise
Staying cool and hydrated
Avoiding soda or sugary drinks
Wearing loose-fitted clothing while working in hot weather
Not increasing workload
Working out in a well-ventilated area or under a fan
Keeping oral rehydration salt preparations and electrolyte beverages handy
Staying away from prolonged humid or hot weather
Scheduling strenuous activities for the evening or early morning in summer
Using an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outdoors and reapplying every two to three hours
Staying hydrated when working in humid or hot environments like laundry facilities, factories, or kitchens
Increasing fluid intake if undergoing treatments that increase the risk of heat exhaustion
Staying indoors or in air-conditioned areas when the outdoor temperature goes above 90°F
Avoiding exercise in warm temperatures or under direct sunlight