What should you know about stages of heat exhaustion?

Early signs include heavy sweating, thirst, headache, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, and dizziness after heat exposure or exertion. The skin may feel cool or clammy even while the person feels overheated. Dark urine can suggest fluid loss, but it is not required for heat exhaustion.

Without cooling and fluids, weakness and light-headedness may intensify. Confusion, loss of coordination, collapse, a seizure, or a very hot body are warning signs of a more dangerous heat illness and should not be managed as ordinary heat exhaustion.

Stop activity, move indoors or into shade, loosen clothing, and cool the skin with wet cloths or a fan. If the person is awake and able to swallow, offer small sips of cool water or an oral rehydration drink. Stay with them and reassess while arranging help if symptoms do not settle.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting repeatedly, or unable to swallow safely. Heat exhaustion often overlaps with dehydration, so recovery also depends on replacing lost fluid and salt appropriately.

Call emergency services for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, or a very hot person whose condition is worsening. Obtain urgent assessment if symptoms do not improve promptly with cooling and sipping fluids, or if the person has a serious medical condition.

Ask whether medicines or health conditions increase your heat risk, how much activity is sensible in hot weather, and which drink is appropriate after heavy sweating. Ask for a personal plan if you have had repeated dizziness, fainting, or heat intolerance.