Heat exhaustion – these are the alarm signs that your body has overheated

The appearance of high temperatures is a real dream for many people, which they long for after a cold winter. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of a heatwave. We explain what heat exhaustion is, what symptoms it is associated with and what is first aid in times of elevated temperature.

1. Heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition that cannot be ignored as it can alert you to impending sunstroke
2. First aid during heat exhaustion includes lowering the body temperature
3. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating and first degree dehydration
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

Heat exhaustion – what are the symptoms?

Almost everyone knows the feeling of discomfort that can arise with elevated air temperature, which lasts for a long time. A person feels optimal if he is neither too hot nor too cold. But when should you be concerned about symptoms associated with heat? Heat exhaustion is a health emergency that alerts the body to exposure to heatstroke and other dangerous consequences associated with increased outdoor temperatures.

Among the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion should be highlighted:

1. profuse sweating
2. weakness which may lead to fainting
3. headaches,
4. entanglement,
5. nausea and vomiting
6. excessive thirst
7. muscle cramps,
8. slight dehydration.

It is worth noting that these symptoms are similar to those of heat stroke. However, there are a few differences. Among other things, in the case of heat exhaustion there is slight dehydration, body temperature 38-40 degrees C and profuse sweating. On the other hand, a stroke is usually characterized by severe dehydration, a fever exceeding 40 degrees C, and the patient stops sweating, and instead has dry, hot skin and reddening of the face.

Heat exhaustion – causes

For example, heat exhaustion can occur during exercise, especially if you train in a hot and stuffy place. Under these conditions, the body is not able to cool down sufficiently, and if you sweat from exercise, you may become dehydrated. This is associated with additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and weakness. In turn, the lack of water in the body makes it difficult to continue sweating.

Overheating of the body is an increase in the internal temperature of the body. This condition can be caused, for example, by working hard in the sun or simply being outside in windproof clothes when the temperature is high. Interestingly, following this path, even miners can experience heatstroke despite working in the mine underground.

Heat exhaustion – diagnosis and first aid

Diagnosis of heat exhaustion can be done based on the symptoms the patient complains about. The headache and weakness accompanied by excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting should certainly not be taken lightly. Observation of symptoms may also be supported by a physical examination and knowledge of the patient’s lifestyle. People who work or train in a hot environment, or live in a hot apartment without air conditioning, are exposed to overheating.

First aid for heat exhaustion primarily involves taking the patient out of a hot room and letting him rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. It happens that entering the building is impossible or difficult – then it is recommended to find a cool place outside in the shade.

During first aid, it is necessary to moisten the patient’s face, arms and legs, and take other measures to lower the body temperature. You can spray the skin with water, fan the patient and apply cold compresses around the groin, neck and armpits. The correct position is also important – it is recommended to place the patient on his back with the legs and pelvis raised higher than the torso. It is also worth asking for help at the nearest medical care point. At the same time, if you are delirious, have convulsions, are unconscious and / or have hot and dry skin, you should call an ambulance immediately!

You cannot administer any medications to the patient yourself! An unconscious person should be placed in a safe side position.

How can heat exhaustion be prevented?

High temperatures during your holidays seem unavoidable, but fortunately there are precautions you can take to prevent heat exhaustion.

First of all, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. It is best to choose still water and special sports drinks with which you can replace the lost salt. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine. It is worth wearing light, loose clothing and a head covering. Remove tight and unnecessary clothing.

You will also need sun creams – preferably with SPF30 or more. We recommend:

1. Anti-wrinkle cream with UV filter SPF 50+ Bioherba,
2. Embryolisse BB cream with SPF 20 filter,
3. Nourishing and protective cream with SPF 20 Embryolisse filter,
4. Protective lipstick SPF 30 FLOSLEK.

People who recover from heat exhaustion may be more sensitive to high temperatures over the next few days. In such a situation, it is recommended to avoid heat and heavy physical exercise until the doctor allows you to return to a standard lifestyle.

We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time our guest is Marek Rybiec – businessman, as one of 78 people from all over the world, he completed «4 Deserts» – ultramarathon taking place in extreme places around the world. She talks to Aleksandra Brzozowska about the challenge, mental strength and mindfulness training. Listen!