What should you know about minor heat exhaustion symptoms?

Heat exhaustion develops when heat exposure and sweating lead to loss of fluid and salts. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, cool clammy skin, or dark urine. Dehydration can accompany or worsen the problem.

Heat intolerance, illness, strenuous activity, tight clothing, and poor access to fluids can increase the strain on the body. A person with heat exhaustion should be able to respond and drink; reduced alertness is a warning that the situation may be more serious.

Stop activity and move to shade or an air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing, loosen what remains, and cool the skin with damp cloths, a fan, or a cool shower. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink gradually if the person is awake and able to swallow.

Stay with the person and watch whether alertness and symptoms improve. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity until recovered. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, faint, vomiting repeatedly, or unable to swallow safely.

Call emergency services for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe drowsiness, inability to drink, or very hot skin with worsening condition. Do not leave the person alone while arranging help. Urgent assessment is also needed when cooling and fluids do not lead to improvement or symptoms return quickly.

Seek advice for persistent dizziness, headache, dark urine, excessive thirst, or heavy sweating after heat exposure. These symptoms can overlap with dehydration and other illnesses, so the full pattern matters.

Ask how to replace fluids safely, when to return to work or exercise, whether medicines affect heat tolerance, and how to plan cooling breaks for future hot conditions.