Signs Of Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two incredibly dangerous conditions associated with hyperthermia, which occurs when a person's body temperature becomes quite elevated and produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. When the body reaches an internal temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more and can't regulate or cool itself off efficiently, hyperthermia may occur. Both conditions are severe, but heat exhaustion usually occurs first and can lead to a heat stroke if it isn't taken care of promptly. When a person reaches the point of suffering from a heat stroke, the results can be fatal. Because of this, it's imperative to take care of heat exhaustion before it gets worse. Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion can help stop the condition before it's too late. Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion (and heat stroke) you should not ignore.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are excruciating muscle cramps. When you do a lot of physical activity in the heat, you sweat out a lot of electrolytes, also known as sodium, from your body. This loss of electrolytes can bring on muscle spasms in muscles being used a lot. They can happen immediately or sometimes a few hours later. Muscle cramps can usually be relieved by drinking something with electrolytes in it. In a lot of cases, they go away with no lasting effects, but if they don't go away or are accompanied by any other symptoms of heat exhaustion, seek medical attention.

Continue reading to uncover information on another serious warning sign of heat exhaustion.

Dizziness Or Lightheadedness

Being overheated can cause blood pressure to suddenly drop too low, leading to a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness. The reason this occurs is due to a chain reaction that results in the brain not having enough blood flowing to it. When you are too hot, your body dilates your blood vessels in a process called vasodilation and sends more blood to your skin, which is why individuals have a red, flush look when they are overheated. This then causes blood to pool into the legs, and since blood will be flowing downward instead of up, the brain doesn't get as much blood flowing to it resulting in the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness. A person can also faint from the restricted blood flow.

Keep going to understand more signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.