Heat Exhaustion

What is Heat Exhaustion?
It’s a heat related illness that you can experience after having been exposed to high temperatures, and is often accompanied with dehydration.

Heat exhaustion is something that should not be taken lightly. Without proper precautions, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness
• Fainting 
• Fatigue 
• Headache 
• Muscle or abdominal cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's important to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place. Other recommended strategies include:

• Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol). (Reason to Quit Caffeine)
  
• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
  
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.
  

If, within 15 minutes, you’re not feeling better, you should seek emergency medical help, because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.



The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team…
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible!