Part of UT Health San Antonio
Definition
Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats when you are too active in hot temperatures. Heat stroke is a more severe illness that can be life-threatening.
Causes
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen under the following conditions:
- Very hot environment
- Heavy activity
- Too little fluid and salt intake
Risk Factors
Young children and older adults are at increased risk for heat exhaustion.
Factors that may increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:
- Participating in a job or activity that involves long periods of outdoor activity in hot weather
-
Taking drugs that interfere with the way your body handles hot weather, including:
- Phenothiazines
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Amphetamines
- Neuroleptics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Cocaine
- Alcohol
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- Temperature over 100°F (37.8°C)
- Fast pulse
- Moist skin, sweating
- Muscle cramps and tenderness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Headaches
Symptoms of heat stroke may include:
- Temperature over 105° F (40.5° C)
- Weakness, lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion, delirium, unconsciousness (can progress to coma)
- Seizures
- No sweating
- Pale, dry skin
- Fast breathing, fast heartbeat
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.
Your heart activity may be measured. This can be done with an ECG.
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Treatment
Heat Exhaustion
Treatment for heat exhaustion includes:
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Giving adequate fluids—it is best to give fluids that contain both salt and sugar. If the person isn't able to drink, it may be necessary to give fluids by IV.
- Encouraging the person to rest
Heat Stroke
Treatment for heat stroke includes:
- Removing clothing.
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area.
- Actively cooling the person—the most effective way is called evaporative cooling. In evaporative cooling, the person is sponged with cool water or sprayed with cool mist, and fans are used to blow air onto the person.
- Giving IV fluids.
- Giving medications—These may be necessary if the person is having seizures or uncontrollable shivering.
- Careful monitoring—People who have undergone heat stroke need regular and careful monitoring of body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Blood tests will be repeated at regular intervals to monitor how the body's organs are responding to the shock of heat stroke.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- If you have to work or exercise under hot conditions, drink lots of fluids (preferably sports drinks, which contain both salt and sugar), and take frequent breaks in the shade.
- If you have a risk factor for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, be careful participating in activities in hot weather. Take regular rests and drink lots of fluids.
- During heat waves, try to spend time indoors with air conditioning or go to an air conditioned shelter. This is especially important for older adults.
RESOURCES:
American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org
REFERENCES:
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke. Updated February 2017. Accessed September 29, 2017.
Heat-related illnesses. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114802/Heat-related-illnesses. Updated June 29, 2016. Accessed September 28, 2016.
Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 9/30/2014