Heat Exhaustion

Description

A heat-related illness that is often caused by several days of exposure to elevated temperatures and dehydration. Patients experience a fast heart rate, hot flushed skin, and generalized weakness. If not treated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be very serious and life threatening. Becoming dehydrated and drinking alcohol increase the risk of developing this disorder. Other conditions that increase the chance of getting heat exhaustion are being less than 4 or greater than 65 years old, being overweight, not being used to working in hot environments, and working in areas with high heat and high humidity.

Symptoms

Hot, flushed skin, weakness, dehydration, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheaded with standing, muscle cramping, headache.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed.

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: active cooling, intravenous fluids, correction of any body chemistry abnormalities, and hospitalization if necessary.

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