Who is prone to heat exhaustion

Heat intolerance may lead to heat exhaustion under severe circumstances. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:. If you experience these symptoms in addition to heat intolerance, seek medical attention immediately. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke if left untreated. This can be fatal. If you live somewhere without air conditioning and you have MS, you may be able to deduct the cost of your fans and cooling equipment as a medical expense.

This is usually only possible if your doctor has written you a prescription for it. If you have heat intolerance due to hyperthyroidism, speak with your doctor about treatment options that may help reduce your sensitivity. Depending on the severity of your condition, this may include medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Be prepared to deal with all sorts of weather. While there isn't a clear explanation for why people get chronic idiopathic urticaria, there are several triggers that can cause symptom flare-ups.

Hives can be dark red, pink, or white bumps or raised areas. If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment. The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.

See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour. Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms — usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs — that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps. Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Accessed Oct. Heat index. National Weather Service. Walls RM, et al. Heat illness. Philadelphia, Pa. Mechem CC. Severe nonexertional hyperthermia classic heat stroke in adults. Extreme heat: A prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ferri FF. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Heat stress-heat related illness. Johns Hopkins primary care and sports medicine expert Dr. Raj Deu explains what parents can do to help prevent their children from experiencing heat-related illness. It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death.

There are some immediate first-aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive, including the following:. Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. Intravenous IV fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.

There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include the following:. Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice. Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration. During outdoor activities, take drink breaks often and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.

If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to your healthcare provider about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Dehydration and Heat Stroke Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page The danger of dehydration and heat stroke Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What is dehydration? What causes dehydration? What are the symptoms of dehydration? Symptoms may include: Thirst Less-frequent urination Dry skin Fatigue Light-headedness Dizziness Confusion Dry mouth and mucous membranes Increased heart rate and breathing In children, additional symptoms may include: Dry mouth and tongue No tears when crying No wet diapers for several hours Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks Listlessness Irritability Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released The symptoms of dehydration may resemble other medical conditions or problems.

Treatment for dehydration If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a healthcare provider's guidance. How can dehydration be prevented?