Does oral rehydration therapy treat heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses too much fluid and salt in hot conditions. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness and cool, clammy skin. Oral rehydration solution can help replace these losses when the person is awake, able to swallow and not repeatedly vomiting. It does not cool the body by itself and cannot safely manage heatstroke, which is an emergency.

Move to a cool or shaded place, stop physical activity, loosen clothing and cool the skin with wet cloths or a fan. Offer frequent small sips of oral rehydration solution if the person is alert and can drink. Do not leave them alone while symptoms are present. Improvement should follow cooling and fluids; avoid returning to heat or strenuous activity until fully recovered.

Call emergency services for confusion, unusual behaviour, seizure, fainting, loss of consciousness, very hot skin, or inability to drink. These signs may indicate heatstroke. Seek prompt clinical care if vomiting continues, symptoms worsen, or the person does not improve after cooling and sipping fluids.

Ask how to recognise heatstroke, which rehydration preparation is suitable for you, and when it is safe to resume work, sport or outdoor activity.