Heat emergencies are caused by overexposure to hot weather and sun. Heat emergencies usually have 3 stages: Heat cramps is the first stage, followed by heat exhaustion and finally heat stroke [1]. It is advisable that heat emergencies are handled before it reaches the last stage that is heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is a condition characterized with symptoms which includes a rapid pulse and heavy sweating. It occurs when the body is severely dehydrated and not able to regulate the temperature of its internal body. This condition is not usually considered as being life threatening or life damaging and it’s treatable with rest and lots of fluids.
Normally, the body pumps blood to the skin’s surface which removes excess internal heat thereby releasing sweat. Dehydration in the body causes the body to be devoid of essential electrolyte and water, which causes a reduction in the body’s ability to produce sweat. When an individual is not able to cool down through sweating, it may result in heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion often results in an increase in body temperature although it may sometimes make a person feel cool. Heat exhaustion is treatable. By resting in cool places, wearing loose clothing, taking measures to cool the body temperatures, such as taking a cold bath and hydrating constantly with just water, fruits and sports drinks.
The symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion can be easily overlooked and ignored because they are similar to a lot of other medical conditions. Some common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach which is usually accompanied by the need or urge to vomit, but this does not always result in vomiting. Vomiting on the other hand, is voluntarily or involuntarily throwing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Heat exhaustion is usually associated with constant nausea and vomiting.