Treating heat exhaustion at home

Home care is only a consideration when the person is awake, breathing normally, able to swallow, and showing mild symptoms after heat exposure. These may include heavy sweating, tiredness, headache, thirst, cramps, nausea, or light-headedness. Heat exhaustion can worsen, and dehydration can continue even after the person leaves the heat. A responsible adult should stay nearby and reassess rather than letting the person sleep unobserved.

Bring the person into air conditioning or shade and have them rest lying or sitting comfortably. Remove unnecessary layers, cool the neck and skin with wet cloths, and use a fan. Offer frequent small sips of cool water or an oral rehydration drink if swallowing is safe. Once recovered, avoid strenuous activity and hot environments for the rest of the day. Do not use alcohol as a fluid replacement.

Seek emergency help if confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or very hot skin develops. Get urgent medical advice when vomiting continues, the person cannot drink, dizziness remains marked, urine is very dark, or symptoms fail to improve after cooling and rest. Never give drinks to someone who is unconscious or too drowsy to swallow safely.

Ask which drinks are suitable with your medical history, whether a prescribed medicine can increase heat sensitivity, and when you can safely return to work, sport, or outdoor travel. Request a prevention plan if this has happened before.