What should you know about getting heat exhaustion easily?

Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses water and salt through sweating faster than they are replaced. A person may feel weak, dizzy, headachy, unusually thirsty, or sweaty, and urine may become darker. Heat intolerance, heavy activity, humid weather, fever, vomiting, some medicines, and dehydration can make heat harder to manage. One episode does not identify a single cause. If episodes happen with ordinary activity or in familiar conditions, a clinician can review your health, medicines, fluid intake, and other possible explanations.

Stop exercising and move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place. Loosen extra clothing, cool the skin with wet cloths or a fan, and sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you are awake and able to swallow. Rest until you feel fully recovered. For prevention, schedule demanding activity during cooler hours, take regular shade breaks, drink before thirst becomes strong, and use light clothing. Do not return to strenuous activity while symptoms continue. Keep a record of the setting, activity, fluids, medicines, and symptoms if episodes recur.

Seek emergency help if confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, inability to drink, or very hot skin develops, because heat illness can progress rapidly. Get prompt medical advice if symptoms do not improve after cooling and fluids, if vomiting prevents drinking, or if episodes keep returning. A clinician may assess hydration and look for contributors such as medication effects or another illness.

Ask whether a medicine or health condition could reduce heat tolerance, how much fluid is suitable for your circumstances, and whether you need an examination after repeated episodes. Take your symptom record and list of medicines to the appointment.