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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

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.

Eat healthy foods:

Choose healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables. Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose protein sources, such as lean beef and chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you should have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

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 (losing too much body fluid). 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.

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 hottest time of the day. The hottest time of the day is usually late morning through early afternoon. Athletes may need to arrive at their event location 3 to 4 days before the event to adjust 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.

Wellness hints:

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

For support and more information:

Having heat exhaustion may be hard for you and your family. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

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.

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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.

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