Even as summer comes to a close and kids head back to school, heat exhaustion still poses a serious health risk to children living in warmer regions of the country. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dark-colored urine, fainting, and diarrhea. Learn more about heat exhaustion below.
What Causes Heat Exhaustion?
In most cases, heat exhaustion is caused by one of two things: salt depletion or water depletion.
Commonsalt depletion heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Common symptoms of water depletion include:
- Headache
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
Heat exhaustion occurs as a result of your body overheating and is one of three heat-related syndromes. The other two are heat cramps (the mildest) and heat stroke (the most serious).
Preventing Heat Exhaustion
Exposure to high temperatures — especially while engaging in strenuous activity — is the most common cause of heat-related syndromes, including heat exhaustion.
According to Mayo Clinic, “In hot weather, your body cools itself mainly by sweating. The evaporation of your sweat regulates your body temperature. However, when you exercise strenuously or otherwise overexert in hot, humid weather, your body is less able to cool itself efficiently.”
Fortunately, heat exhaustion can be prevented by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing
- Wearing sunscreen
- Staying inside or seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day
- Avoiding exercise and strenuous activity during times of extreme heat
When to Seek Help for Heat Exhaustion
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke — a potentially deadly condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher.
If you think you or your child are showing signs of heat exhaustion, get to a medical professional immediately.
FastMed Urgent Care clinics stay open late and are available seven days a week. We strive to make healthcare quick, compassionate, and affordable, and we are proud to offer a Discount Program.
Don’t risk heat stroke — find a FastMed Urgent Care near you today!
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Source:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/basics/causes