Heat Exhaustion

Diagnosis

If you seek medical attention for heat exhaustion, your healthcare team will first check your body temperature using a rectal thermometer. This method provides the most accurate reading and helps confirm the diagnosis while ruling out heatstroke, a more serious condition.

If heatstroke is suspected, additional tests may be performed to assess organ function and detect potential complications. These tests may include:

• Blood tests: Used to measure electrolyte levels, such as sodium and potassium, and to assess the concentration of gases in the blood.

• Urine tests: Help determine hydration levels and kidney function, which can be affected by heat-related illnesses.

• Muscle function tests: Conducted to check for rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving muscle tissue damage caused by severe heat stress.

• Imaging tests: X-rays or other scans may be done to look for internal organ damage resulting from prolonged heat exposure.

These diagnostic evaluations help healthcare professionals determine the severity of heat exhaustion and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment

In many cases, mild heat exhaustion can be treated at home with prompt cooling and hydration. The primary goal of treatment is to lower body temperature and restore fluid balance.

Recommended self-care measures include:

• Rest in a cool place: Move to an air-conditioned environment or, if unavailable, seek shade or sit in front of a fan. Lie down with your legs elevated above heart level to promote circulation.

• Drink cool fluids: Rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which can worsen dehydration.

• Apply cooling methods: Take a cool shower or bath, use wet towels on your skin, or, if outdoors, immerse yourself in a cool pond or stream.

• Loosen clothing: Remove excess layers and wear lightweight, nonrestrictive clothing to allow better air circulation.

If symptoms do not improve within one hour, seek medical attention immediately.

For more severe cases, or if heatstroke is diagnosed, medical professionals may use advanced cooling techniques, such as:

• Cold water immersion: Submerging the body in ice or cold water is the fastest and most effective method to reduce core temperature and prevent organ damage.

• Evaporative cooling: If immersion isn’t possible, cool water may be misted onto the skin while warm air is fanned to promote evaporation and cooling.

• Ice packs and cooling blankets: Ice packs may be applied to key areas such as the groin, neck, armpits, and back, while cooling blankets help bring down body temperature.

• Medications to prevent shivering: If cooling treatments cause shivering, a muscle relaxant such as a benzodiazepine may be administered to prevent body temperature from rising again.

Prompt treatment of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is essential to prevent complications, including organ failure or death.