What should you know about treatment of heat exhaustion consists of?

Heat exhaustion develops when heat exposure and sweating lead to fluid and salt loss faster than the body can replace them. Headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, thirst, and heat intolerance may occur. Dark urine can suggest concentrated urine and dehydration, although urine colour is not a complete assessment. Move the person away from heat early, because untreated heat illness can progress to heat stroke. A person who is confused, collapsing, or unable to drink needs emergency help rather than home care. Read about [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) and [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/).

Rest the person in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place and remove unnecessary outer clothing. Cool the skin with wet cloths, a fan, or cool water while avoiding anything that causes shivering. If the person is alert and can swallow, offer small, frequent sips of cool water or an oral rehydration drink. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused, vomiting repeatedly, or not fully awake. Avoid returning to strenuous activity until symptoms have cleared and a clinician has advised on recovery, particularly for older adults, children, and people with medical conditions.

Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, seizure, loss of consciousness, very hot skin, severe breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Seek medical assessment when vomiting prevents rehydration, dizziness does not settle after cooling, urine remains very dark or scant, or symptoms continue despite rest. Do not use a person's ability to sweat as the only guide to severity. If symptoms are worsening, keep cooling the person and arrange urgent help.

Ask whether dehydration needs examination or testing, which rehydration drink is suitable, and when normal work or exercise can restart. Discuss medicines that may affect sweating, blood pressure, or fluid balance. Ask how to plan shade, breaks, clothing, and fluid intake for future heat exposure, and which changes mean heat exhaustion may be becoming a medical emergency.