Which specialist treats heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness caused by fluid and salt loss during overheating. A GP may assess milder symptoms, but urgent care is often the practical first stop because clinicians can check temperature, circulation, hydration, and mental alertness. Treatment may include cooling, rest, oral rehydration, or IV fluids when drinking is not enough or cannot be tolerated.

Move to a cool place, loosen extra clothing, and rest. Sip an oral rehydration drink if you are awake and able to swallow; avoid forcing fluids if vomiting or confused. Cool the skin with wet cloths or airflow. Arrange medical assessment when symptoms do not settle promptly, recur, or include marked weakness, headache, nausea, excessive thirst, or heavy sweating.

Call emergency services for confusion, collapse, seizure, inability to drink, loss of consciousness, or very hot skin with worsening symptoms. These features may signal heatstroke or another emergency. Do not give drinks to an unconscious or confused person, and move them to a cool area while waiting for help.

How dehydrated am I? Do I need oral rehydration or IV fluid therapy? When can I return to work, exercise, or outdoor activity? Could medicines or another illness make heat intolerance or dehydration more likely?