Heat Exhaustion, Know More About It

by Midas

heat exhaustion

Excessive sweating causes loss of salt and water from your body, WATCH OUT, for it may result to heat exhaustion.

It is almost summer and we will be experiencing long hot days again. During this hot season, family loves to do outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kite flying, camping and swimming. Remember, little breeze and high humidity for several days may cause our body temperature to rise. High temperature produce our body to sweat a lot. We know that sweat is composed of salt and water, too much sweating may deplete not just water in our body but salt as well. Inadequate replacement of fluids may lead to heat exhaustion.

Elderly and people who are not used to hot humid conditions are the most prone to heat exhaustion. Excessive exercising, exercising or working in hot environment, illnesses that causes vomiting and diarrhea causes us to loss water and salt in our body thus, we need to take in lots of cool water or sports drink when we are experiencing those things. Certain drugs like ecstasy may also cause profuse sweating, leading to heat exhaustion.

What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion?
weakness
severe thirst
profuse sweating
elevation of body temperature
headache
rapid, weak heartbeat and pulse
fast and shallow breathing
low blood pressure
cold and clammy skin
nausea or vomiting
fainting

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, make sure to:
1. Help the person to get out of the sun and into a shade or to a cool place, preferably air-conditioned location.
2. Loosen or remove most of casualty’s clothing.
3. Lay the person down with legs elevated slightly.
4. Sponge bath the person using cold water. If the person is still alert, let him or her take a cool shower or bath.
5. If the person is still alert, let him or her drink cold water or sports drink to replenish fluids.
6. If the person is vomiting– to prevent choking, turn him or her to his side.
7. Monitor the person’s temperature and other vital signs.

If you did not notice any improvement after doing these steps, seek emergency medical help as soon as possible. Heat exhaustion is not as dangerous as heat stroke BUT it can quickly evolve into heatstroke. If you noticed the person has hot and dry skin and with a body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.9 degrees Celsius or more, immediately seek for medical assistance.