Temperature and heat exhaustion: what to know
Short answer
Heat exhaustion can cause a raised temperature with sweating, thirst, dizziness and headache, but very high temperature or confusion suggests an emergency.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Cool first
- Stop activity and move to a cool environment.
- Fluids
- Offer small sips only when the person is alert and can swallow.
- Emergency signs
- Confusion, collapse, seizure or inability to drink.
What this means
Common features include excessive sweating, excessive thirst, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea and dark urine. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms and make it harder to regulate body heat. Confusion, collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness or hot skin with reduced sweating can signal heatstroke, which requires emergency treatment rather than home cooling alone.
What you can do
Stop activity and rest in shade or an air-conditioned space. Remove unnecessary layers, use cool wet cloths or a fan, and offer frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if the person is alert. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity while recovering. Do not force fluids into someone who is confused, vomiting repeatedly or unable to swallow safely.
When to seek care
Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, inability to drink or signs of heatstroke. Get urgent help if symptoms do not improve promptly after cooling and rest, or if the person has a serious health condition, is very young, older or pregnant. Persistent dizziness, dark urine or worsening weakness also warrants medical review.
Questions for your doctor
Was this heat exhaustion, dehydration or a more serious heat illness? How should I replace fluids and salts safely? When can I return to exercise or outdoor work, and how can I prevent another episode?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Does heat exhaustion always cause a high temperature?
No. Temperature can be raised, normal or difficult to measure; the symptom pattern and response to cooling matter.
When should I call emergency services?
Call for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty or suspected heatstroke.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.