HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Heat exhaustion & heat stroke

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious and is caused by losing salt and water from your body after being exposed to heat for a long time. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• feeling dizzy or faint
• feeling sick
• heavy sweating
• a fast pulse rate
• having a headache
• confusion
• having muscle cramps in your arms, legs and stomach.

Treating heat exhaustion

• Rest in a cool place – lie down with your legs raised.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, cool drinks.
• Loosen your clothing – if possible, remove excess clothing.

You should start to feel better within half an hour with no long-term complications. If you do not feel better, go to your general practice team or after hours clinic.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is less common but more serious than heat exhaustion and occurs when your body's temperature becomes dangerously high. Your body can no longer cool itself and starts to overheat. This can develop quickly with little warning.

People more at risk of developing heat stroke include:

• babies and children under 2 years
• elderly people
• people with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney, heart or lung problems
• people doing strenuous exercise.

Signs of heatstroke include:

• hot flushed, dry skin
• confusion
• decreasing consciousness, such as struggling to focus or stay awake
• headache
• dizziness
• feeling sick
• a high temperature (above 40°Celsius)
• a fast pulse rate.

Treating heat stroke

While waiting for an ambulance:

• move the person to a cool area
• remove their outer clothing
• increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
• give them water to drink (if they're conscious)
• cool their skin using a shower if possible or cover their body with cool, damp towels or sheets.

If they become unconscious, follow these instructions.

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Avoid spending too long in a hot environment – stay out of the sun and in the shade.
• Drink plenty of cold, non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you do get hot, have a cool bath or shower.
• Wear a hat and light scarf.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Wear loose fitting, cotton clothes.
• Avoid alcohol as it will dehydrate you.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Canterbury DHB – Stay cool & well this summer

  Information about staying cool and well, including ways to keep your house cool.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 53718

Review key: HIFAD-141030