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Heat exhaustion (also known as heat prostration) is a temporary condition caused by to much exposure to high temperatures or to the sun. Heat exhaustion results from excessive loss of fluids. Its symptoms are nausea, unusually profuse sweating, a sense of anxiety, and weakness or dizziness--i.e., a feeling of "faintness," caused by a drop in blood pressure and a slowing of the pulse. In fact, actual fainting is not uncommon in cases of heat exhaustion. The skin becomes clammy, pale and grayish, and the body temperature drops below normal.
The victim of heat exhaustion should lie down in a cool place, with the head slightly lower than the rest of the body. Cool (not cold) fluids should be sipped in small amounts every few minutes. Any excess clothing should be removed to speed the cooling process. If possible, the victim should get out of the sun and the heat altogether--by going to an air-conditoned area, for example.
Heat exhaustion must not be confused with heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. The symptoms of heatstroke (also less accurately known as sunstroke) are different from those of heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke is caused by a failure of the the body's temperature to regulate itself. Like heat exhaustion, it is caused by exposure to high temperatures, and it is more common in the elderly and weak, and also in athletes who work out in the heat of the day.
But even people who do not expose themselves to the sun may suffer from heatstroke. For example, sitting for too long in a hot bath (or a hot-tub) with temperatures above 104 degrees can bring on heatstroke. People on tranqilizers, antihistamines, or psychiatric medications are at greater risk for heatstroke and should avoid exposing themselves to high temperatures for any length of time.
In the early stages, heatstroke will produce headache, dizziness, and fatigue. The body does not sweat, and the skin becomes hot, red, and dry. Body temperature may reach as high as 106 degrees, and the pulse rate may increase rapidly to 150 beats per minute (in contrast to heat exhaustion, which slows the pulse rate). These drastic changes in the body can result in convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death. Body temperature needs to be brought down immediately to avoid the risk of brain damage.
Heatstroke is an emergency condition, requiring immediate medical care. If transportation or medical care is not immediately available, the victim should be placed in the coolest place available--an air-conditioned room, if possible. Sponge the victim with cool water, or wrap him in a cool wet sheet. But do not delay calling for medical care, for mere first aid efforts are not likely to prevent the more serious consequences of heatstroke.
A heatstroke victim may require several days of hospitalization. Fluids and body salts will probably be replaced intravenously, and careful monitoring of body temperature will make it possible to regulate it more accurately until the victim's body regains the ability to regulate its own temperature.
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