A COMMON HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS NEEDING PROMPT CARE
Heat Exhaustion
A heat-related illness with significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing weakness, sweating, headache and nausea. Manageable with rapid cooling and fluid replacement, but can progress to heat stroke if untreated.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness caused by exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, physical exertion and inadequate fluid intake. It occurs when the body loses excessive water and salt through sweating without adequate replacement. While less severe than heat stroke, untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Heat exhaustion is more common in older adults, infants, outdoor workers, athletes, those with chronic illnesses, and during periods of high temperature and humidity. Typical features include heavy sweating, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, cool clammy skin and reduced urine output. Body temperature is usually elevated but typically below 40°C, and mental state remains intact (unlike heat stroke). Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is generally effective and includes moving to a cool place, removing excess clothing, cooling the body, providing oral or intravenous fluids, and rest. Patients usually recover within hours to a day with appropriate care. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides prompt evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Exposure to high temperatures and humidity
- Physical exertion in hot conditions
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Inadequate salt replacement during heavy sweating
- Older age, infancy and chronic illnesses
- Certain medications including diuretics
- Alcohol intake in hot conditions
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation with body temperature typically below 40°C and intact mental state
Less severe than heat stroke but needs prompt treatment
Cooling, fluid and salt replacement, rest
Can progress to heat stroke if untreated
Adequate hydration, avoiding heat exposure, sensible exercise timing
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Prompt Cooling with Fluid Replacement
The most effective approach is prompt cooling by moving to a cool environment, removing excess clothing, applying cool water or wet towels, providing oral fluids with electrolytes (intravenous fluids in more severe cases), and ensuring rest until full recovery.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika or the emergency team reviews symptoms, examines the patient and measures body temperature and vital signs.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Immediate cooling and fluid replacement are started, with assessment to ensure the condition does not progress to heat stroke.
- 3
Medical Management
Cooling, oral or intravenous fluid replacement with electrolytes, rest in cool environment and monitoring of recovery.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Patient education on prevention, rehydration over hours to days, and follow-up if symptoms persist.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Move to Cool Environment
The patient is moved to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned environment as the first step.
Cooling Measures
Excess clothing is removed and cooling is provided with cool water, wet towels, ice packs to neck, armpits and groin, and fan use.
Oral or Intravenous Fluid Replacement
Oral rehydration solution or balanced electrolyte drinks are used in mild cases; intravenous fluids in moderate to severe cases or with significant vomiting.
Rest
The patient is encouraged to rest until fully recovered, usually for several hours to a day.
Prevention Counselling
Education on heat illness prevention, including hydration, sensible exercise timing, appropriate clothing and recognising early symptoms.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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