Heat exhaustion

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Heat exhaustion is a severe form of heat illness. It is a medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of water and electrolytes through sweating.

Contents

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include skin tingling, nausea, dizziness, irritability, headache, thirst, weakness, vomiting, high body temperature, excessive sweating, pupil dilation, and decreased urine output. [1]

Causes

Common causes of heat exhaustion include: [2]

Especially during physical exertion, risk factors for heat exhaustion include: [2]

Diagnosis

Treatment

First aid

First aid for heat exhaustion includes: [1] [3]

Emergency medical treatment

If an individual with heat exhaustion receives medical treatment, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), doctors, and/or nurses may also: [4]

Prognosis

If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Jacklitsch, Brenda L. (June 29, 2011). "Summer Heat Can Be Deadly for Outdoor Workers". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH.
  2. 1 2 "Heat Injury and Heat Exhaustion". www.orthoinfo.aaos.org. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. July 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke". www.nhs.uk. National Health Service of the United Kingdom. June 11, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  4. Mistovich, Joseph J.; Karren, Keith J.; Hafen, Brent (July 18, 2013). Prehospital Emergency Care (10 ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN   978-0133369137.