Table of contents:
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion
- Handling of heat exhaustion
- Who is more at risk of heat exhaustion?
- Age
- Certain health conditions
- Drugs
Heat exhaustion is a condition that can occur after you are exposed to high temperatures (heat) and is often accompanied by dehydration. So, this condition is not just ordinary heat, but it is more serious.
There are two types of heat exhaustion, namely:
- Water depletion or lack of water. Symptoms include thirst for a dry throat, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness (fainting).
- Salt depletion or lack of salt. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
Although heat exhaustion is not as severe as a heat stroke, this condition of extreme heat is not something that should be ignored. If not handled properly, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, even causing death. The good news is, heat exhaustion can be prevented.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion can occur suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise. Signs and symptoms that may occur:
- Confusion
- Dark urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Dizzy
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Pale skin color
- Excessive sweating
- Fast heartbeat
Handling of heat exhaustion
If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion, it is important to get out of the hot environment immediately and get some immediate rest (preferably in an air-conditioned room or a cool and shaded place).
Other steps for handling the symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Drink lots of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
- Remove tight clothing and change to thin clothes that can absorb sweat well (for example, from cotton)
- Take cooling measures such as a fan or cool towels, or take a cold shower as well
If the procedure fails within 15 minutes or the body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius, seek emergency medical help, as untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
After you recover from heat exhaustion, you will likely be more sensitive to high temperatures over the next week, so it is best to avoid hot weather and vigorous exercise until your doctor tells you that it is safe to resume normal activities.
Who is more at risk of heat exhaustion?
People who are in the sun or in a room where the air is humid are more at risk of developing heat exhaustion. So, if you live in an urban area, you are vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
Other risk factors associated with heat exhaustion include:
Age
Infants and children up to 4 years of age, and the elderly (over 65 years) are especially vulnerable because the body adapts to heat more slowly.
Certain health conditions
Including heart disease, lung, kidney, obesity, underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental disorders, alcoholism (alcoholism), and any condition that causes fever.
Drugs
These include some laxatives, sedatives (tranquilizers), stimulants (such as caffeine), heart and blood pressure medications, and medications for psychiatric problems.
If you are taking certain drugs and often experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, immediately tell your doctor to adjust the dose or change the type.
