Heat Exhaustion (cont.)
Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEMDr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor:
Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP
Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACPMary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Indiana University. In this Article
 What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?Individuals with heat exhaustion tend to have symptoms such as:
As dehydration increases from the loss of body water, lightheadedness may occur and fainting (syncope) may occur especially, if the affected individual stands up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). A low grade fever also may be present. When should an individual seek medical care for heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion usually can be treated at home as long as the affected individual can maintain proper hydration. Water, electrolyte replacement solutions or sport drinks are appropriate to consume. If nausea and vomiting prevent rehydration, the individual should seek medical attention. Muscles cramps can be severe and if stretching and rehydration cannot relieve recurrent cramps, medical care may be necessary. It is important to recognize that if the person stops sweating, becomes confused, or has a seizure, heat stroke, a life-threatening condition, may be developing. Emergency medical services should be activated immediately (call 911 if available) and move the affected individual to a cooler place, remove their clothing, and try to cool the body with cold compresses, ice, and oscillating fans. How is heat exhaustion diagnosed?Diagnosis of heat exhaustion is made by circumstantial evidence:
Laboratory tests are not mandatory unless the health care practitioner is concerned about electrolyte imbalance or significant dehydration. However, it is important for the health care practitioner to consider other diagnoses, since there are many infectious illnesses that accompany a fever, weakness, nausea and vomiting. This is especially the case in the elderly and very young. In these groups, heat exhaustion may be a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other more serious illnesses should be considered before settling on heat as the cause of the problem. Careful history and physical examination may be all that is needed. Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms
Question: What were the symptoms of your heat exhaustion?
Heat Exhaustion - Treatments
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