What should you know about early symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses fluid and salt through sweating faster than it can replace them. It may follow time outdoors, exercise, work in a hot space, or illness with poor fluid intake. Headache, dizziness, thirst, tiredness, and dark urine can occur together. Heat intolerance may make hot conditions harder to manage. Dehydration can worsen the problem, even before someone feels very thirsty.

Move to shade or an air-conditioned place, loosen extra clothing, and rest. Cool the skin with a fan, cool wet cloths, or a lukewarm-to-cool shower. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if the person is awake and able to swallow. Stop exercise and avoid alcohol. Stay with the person and reassess whether alertness, dizziness, and sweating are improving.

Call emergency services if the person becomes confused, faints, has a seizure, cannot drink, has severe breathlessness, or feels very hot with altered behaviour. Urgent help is also needed when symptoms do not improve after cooling and fluids, or when vomiting prevents rehydration. Do not give drinks to someone who is drowsy or unconscious.

Ask how much fluid is suitable for you, whether medicines or a medical condition increase heat risk, and how to plan activity in hot weather. Mention repeated dizziness, dark urine, excessive thirst, unusual sweating, or difficulty tolerating heat.