About this topic
Heat exhaustion happens when the temperature of the body rises between 98.6 ‚ °F (37 ‚ °C) which is normal, to 104 ‚ °F (40 ‚ °C). When working or playing in a hot and humid place for long periods your body loses fluids and salt through sweating. If you dont replace these fluids, your body may overheat. This leads to heat exhaustion. If it is not treated, heat exhaustion may lead to a more serious heat stroke. ‚
Heat stroke happens when the body temperature rises above 104 ‚ °F (40 ‚ °C). It is when the person's cooling system stops working. The body temperature rises to the point that it can lead to brain damage. The other organs may also be harmed. Heat stroke is an emergency case. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Drink lots of fluids, especially before starting an outdoor activity.
- Avoid staying under the sun for a long time.
- Limit heavy activities if the temperature is high.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella when you go out.
- Wear clothes that are loose, light-colored, and lightweight.
- Do not stay in a closed, parked car during hot weather.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Talk to your doctor about the drugs you are on. Some drugs can make you more likely to get heat exhaustion.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control blood pressure if you have high blood pressure
- Replace fluids and nutrients
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Loss of conscious
- Change in alertness
- Cannot keep fluids down
- Trouble breathing
- Skin feels hot and dry, but not sweaty
- You develop muscle cramps
Helpful tips
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion. These are too much sweating, feeling weak, feeling confused, dizziness, upset stomach or throwing up, headache, dark colored urine, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps.
- If you have any of the signs, get out of the heat right away. Drink lots of water or other fluids. Take a cool shower or bath.
- Seek medical care right away if a person is suspected to have a heat stroke. The signs are high body temperature, blurred eyesight, confusion, unconscious, no sweating, pale dry skin, throwing up, shallow breathing, and seizure.
- While you are waiting for emergency help you can:
- Move the person to a cool, shady area.
- Loosen or remove clothing.
- Give cool water or sports drinks if the person is conscious.
- Use ice packs or a cold compress under the arms, groin area, or behind the neck.
- Massage the arms and legs to encourage blood flow.
- If the person has a seizure, turn on the side and DO NOT put anything in the mouth.
- If the person is unconscious and throwing up, turn on the side.
- Stay with the patient until medical help comes.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, am less alert, have trouble breathing, or cannot keep fluids down.
- I can tell you the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/heat-exhaustion-an-heatstroke.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚