Heat Exhaustion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Heat exhaustion, also called heat prostration, is the most common heat-related problems. It often results from heavy physical activity in hot conditions, and not drinking enough liquids. The body's cooling system in these conditions may not work well and cause an increase in body temperature. Normal body temperature for an adult is generally 37 degrees Celsius, or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. With heat exhaustion, body temperature is usually between 37 to 40 degrees Celsius (98.6 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Heat exhaustion may damage cells and cause dehydration (loss of too much water and mineral salts). As the body temperature increases and affects your brain, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion appear when the amount of water and minerals in your body drops too low or too fast. You may have too much sweating, abdominal (stomach) cramping, nausea (upset stomach), or vomiting (throwing up). Other signs include irregular or fast breathing, fast or pounding heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Blood and urine tests, blood gases, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be needed to diagnose heat exhaustion. Treatment includes rest, use of cooling units, intravenous fluids (IV), or oral rehydrating solutions. With early rehydration and treatment, you may prevent further problems and continue with your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Do not drink alcohol:

Some people should not drink alcohol. These people include those with certain medical conditions or who take medicine that interacts with alcohol. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor. Tell your caregiver if you drink alcohol. Ask him to help you stop drinking.

Diet:

A caregiver called a dietitian or nutritionist may talk to you about diet changes. He may increase the amount of electrolytes, sugar, and proteins in your diet. He may plan a diet that is best for you if you have other diseases, such as kidney or liver diseases. You may need to eat special foods to help your body work well after heat exhaustion, and to help prevent getting it again.

Drinking liquids:

Drink enough healthy liquids each day and not just when you feel thirsty. You may drink liquids that have water, sugar, and salt, such as juices, milk, or sports drinks. These liquids help your body hold in fluid and prevent dehydration. Your caregiver may also give you oral rehydration solution (ORS) to drink. An ORS has the right amounts of water, salts, and sugar your body needs to replace body fluids. Ask your caregiver what you should drink if you are on a low salt or low sugar diet. Follow your caregiver's advice if you need to limit the amount of liquid you drink.

Exercise:

Exercise makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. Begin to exercise slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk with your primary healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.

Preventing heat exhaustion:

Do the following when exercising or in a place with a very high temperature:

• Drink lots of liquids, such as water, fruit juices, or energy drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, liquor (vodka and whiskey), or other adult drinks.
  
  
• Eat salty foods, such as celery, salted crackers, and salted pretzels.
  
  
• Limit your activities or strenuous exercises during the late morning through early afternoon hours. Athletes may need to arrive at an event location 3 to 4 days before the event to get used to the heat.
  
  
• Never leave children alone inside cars, especially during hot weather.
  
  
• Use air conditioners or fans, and have enough proper ventilation. If there is no air conditioning available, keep your windows open so that air may enter the rooms.
  
  
• Wear lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothing. Protect your head and neck with a hat or umbrella when you are outdoors.
  
  
• When planning your daily activities, check out the weather forecast first, especially if you need to work outdoors.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have muscle cramps or twitching.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have numbness or pricking in your arms or legs.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are confused or cannot think clearly.
  
  
• You cannot move your arms and legs.
  
  
• You feel very weak or tired.
  
  
• You have an irregular heartbeat.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Heat Exhaustion (Aftercare Instructions)