What does headache feel like with heat exhaustion?

Heat, sweating, and fluid loss can strain the body and contribute to head pain. The headache may come with intense thirst, heavy sweating, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, or cool, clammy skin. It often appears after time in a hot environment or after exertion. A headache alone cannot identify the cause, because many everyday conditions can produce similar pain.

Stop activity and move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place. Loosen extra clothing, rest, and cool the skin with a damp cloth or fan. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you are awake and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol and further exertion while symptoms continue. If symptoms do not start improving after cooling and fluids, arrange prompt medical advice.

Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, a seizure, inability to drink, worsening drowsiness, trouble breathing, or very hot skin with a change in alertness. Seek urgent assessment for a sudden severe headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, trouble speaking, or symptoms that persist despite cooling. Heat illness can worsen quickly, so do not leave a confused or faint person alone.

Ask what may have triggered the headache, whether you need an examination or tests, how to replace fluids safely, and when you can return to exercise or outdoor work. Tell the clinician when the pain began, how long you were in the heat, what you drank, and whether you had faintness, vomiting, or confusion.