Symptoms Of Heat Exhaustion: Prevention And First Aid Treatment

Symptoms Of Heat Exhaustion: Prevention And First Aid Treatment . Exposure to heat and humidity can pose serious health consequences, especially during the scorching heat of summer. It is necessary to stay cool and keep hydrated during this period to prevent heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and more severe variety called heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is characterized by excessive loss of body fluids and salts accompanied with rise in body temperature. Aside from exposure to high temperature and humidity, heat exhaustion can occur any time when the body gets overheated due to strenuous physical work.

Athletes are more prone to heat exhaustion due to constant running, besides people who are doing construction work, farmers or other occupations which require outside work are prone to heat exhaustion.

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Heat exhaustion is temporary and rarely life threatening unless the patient is suffering from some heart ailment.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can occur suddenly or over a period of time. These includes following;

• Profuse and heavy sweating, patient gets drenched in sweat.
• The skin becomes cool as a result of sweating.
• Rapid pulse and heartbeat.
• Faintness, Nausea and Fatigue.
• Postural hypo-tension (low blood pressure when the patient stands).
• Cramps in muscles.
• Headache and Fever
• Dark colored urine.
• Excessive thirst.
• Because of loss of body salts the patient often becomes confused and disoriented.
• The skin appears pale.

First Aid Treatment For Heat Exhaustion

Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion helps to administer first aid which proves to be crucial in preventing further catastrophic events.

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• Immediately shift the person out of heat and sun to a cool place, preferably an air- conditioned room.
• Let the patient lie down in supine position. Raise his legs slightly above the ground. This will allow more blood to flow to heart and brain.
• Remove his clothes if they are tight or at least loosen them.
• The person should consume water preferably cool and mixed with salt and sugar.
• Sponge the person’s body with cool water. He can also take shower or bath.
• Do not overcrowd around the person.
• Monitor the person and if all this methods fail to give relief to the patient within 30 minutes, consult the doctor as heat exhaustion can further deteriorate to heat stroke which is life threatening condition.

How To Prevent Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion can be prevented by taking number of steps.

• Dress properly: wear lose fitting clothes. It allows free movement of air which helps to evaporate the heat and sweat. Tight fitting clothes and dark clothes hold on heat and do not allow free air movement.
• Stay hydrated: it is necessary to drink plenty of water or sports drinks during hot and humid climate. It is also necessary to drink water and liquids before and after doing rigorous training workouts exercises.
• Restrict outdoor activities and sports in hot weather: try to schedule your workouts and physical activities in the early morning or late in the evening. Exercising indoors is another alternative.
• When out in sun, use umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. You should also apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• Do not skip meals: eating keeps you to remain hydrated. Food contains water, besides it also concentrates sugar and salt in the body which activates the thirst center.
• Do not consume too much of coffee and tea in when you are overheated. They act as a diuretic and cause loss of water due to increased urination. Also avoid alcohol during summer or when you are overheated.

Home Remedy For Heat Exhaustion

• Stop your activities: once you feel overheated, stop doing all your activities. Do not try to overwork as the condition will worsen and it may escalate to graver heatstroke. Go in a cool room or an air-conditioned room and relax. Place your feet slightly elevated.
• Drink plenty of fluids: drink enough fluids and remain hydrated. You can drink plain water or a sports drink.
• Apply cool water on your head, legs and hands. Alternately take tepid bath or shower.
• Loosen your clothes and remove heavy and unnecessary clothes.