Causes And Treatments For Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition in which the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees. It usually occurs in a hot environment and the cause of heat exhaustion is related to the combination of high humidity and intense physical activity. In this article, we will look at the causes of heat exhaustion and the best treatments to alleviate it.

Heat exhaustion can be exacerbated by heat stroke, a more serious and possibly even fatal condition. One of the latest major heat waves in Europe occurred in 2003, causing more than 35,000 deaths when temperatures exceeded 46 degrees in many places.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion can be very inaccurate, and the patient may not notice the connection between heat, moisture, and exercise and the things that happen to him.

During a physical exam, the patient’s temperature usually drops below 40 degrees or may even be completely normal. However, this is due to counter-mechanisms such as sweating.

The most common symptoms are:

• Hard sweating
• Pale and cold skin
• Fast pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling uncomfortable
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine due to dehydration

Unlike heat stroke, patients with heat exhaustion tend to maintain a normal state of mind and do not experience confusion or loss of consciousness. Such conditions are rare for heat exhaustion, although patients may feel slightly dizzy when getting up quickly.

What causes heat exhaustion?

Heat stroke occurs virtually when the body fails to maintain a normal body temperature in a high outdoor temperature and humid environment due to physical overload. The body tries to regulate the temperature with sweat, but there comes a time when it doesn’t even work.

In addition to water, the body also loses electrolytes such as sodium and potassium through sweat. It can cause muscle cramps and a fast heartbeat.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature displayed by the thermometer does not always correspond to the actual danger of the outside temperature. Even if the temperature is not terribly high, heat stroke can still occur if the humidity level is also high. The heat index measures the effect of air temperature and humidity, which is the most important value to consider. As a result, temperatures that are considered tolerable can become dangerous in certain situations.

Risk factors

As with many other cases, the best solution to heat exhaustion is to prevent it.

In Spain, for example, companies are required by law to make the temperature of the working environment tolerable and appropriate. In offices and sedentary work, the temperature should be between 17-27 degrees. If the temperature is above or below this scale, it is considered a thermal stress. However, a legal loophole has been defined for outdoor work.

There are other situations and health conditions that can exacerbate the effects of temperature and humidity:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Shortness of breath
• Certain medicines: including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, diuretics, laxatives, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, beta-blockers, antidepressants and antipsychotics, as well as some drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines

Employees are not the only ones at risk. Anyone who engages in outdoor exercise at dangerous times of the day without the right kind of protection, such as cyclists, athletes, hikers, and so on, is also at risk of experiencing heat exhaustion.

Particular attention should be paid to children and the elderly, as their bodies are not able to easily regulate heat. As a result, these groups are more susceptible to thermal exhaustion, even at lower temperatures and after a short exposure time.

Preventive measures

• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and baggy.

• Also wear a hat or parasol to prevent your head from getting direct sunlight.
• Continuously apply a high sunscreen sunscreen depending on where you are, what season it is and what your UV index is.
• Drink enough water. Drink plenty of water and make sure you drink often with small breaks. Make sure the hydration is OK. You can do this by just observing the color of your urine: if it is pale, drink enough water. If it’s darker, you may be dehydrated and need to drink more water.
• Replace electrolytes you lose through sweating. Isotonic sports drinks or classic alkaline lemonade (containing sugar, baking soda and salt) can help.
• Reduce your consumption of stimulant drinks such as cola and coffee.
• Avoid alcohol as it can cause dehydration.

• Whenever possible, schedule work-related activities that require physical exertion for a time of day that is not so hot. It is also important to take breaks that will allow you to rest in a cooler place for a few minutes before returning to the activity.
• Never leave a child inside the car in hot weather. The temperature can rise many degrees and lead to death in a short time.

What you should do if you suffer from heat exhaustion

In the event of heat exhaustion:

• Leave the hot environment and look for a cool place in the shade.
• You can lie on the floor and lift your legs up to get the blood circulating to your heart and brain again.
• Get rid of unnecessary clothing, open the buttons on the neck area or any area that may feel distracting.
• Cool off in a cold bath or shower. Put wet towels on your head, neck or chest.
• Slowly increase hydration with water or electrolyte-rich beverages.
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion can last for several days. Do not exercise or expose yourself to heat or sunlight until you have fully recovered.

If you still do not recover after these recommendations and your body temperature remains high or you faint or have seizures, call an emergency center immediately or see a doctor. Remember these causes and treatments for heat exhaustion in the summer heat, and try to prevent it in every way possible!