Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Introduction

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

They usually happen duringa heatwave or in a hot climate, but can also occur when you're doing very strenuous physical exercise.

Heat exhaustion is where you become very hotand start to lose water or saltfrom your body,whichleads to the symptoms listed below and generally feeling unwell.
Heatstroke is where the bodyis no longer able to cool itself and a person's body temperature becomes dangerously high (sunstroke is whenthis is caused by prolonged exposure to directsunlight).

Heatstroke is less common, butmore serious. It can put a strain on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening.

If heat exhaustion isn't spotted and treated early on, there's a risk it could lead to heatstroke.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016

Articles for heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Introduction

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot. They usually happen during a heatwave or in a hot climate, but can also occur when you're doing very strenuous physical exercise.

Signs and symptoms

Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can develop quickly over a few minutes, or gradually over several hours or days. Signs of heat exhaustion can include: tiredness and weakness feeling faint or Lighthe

What to do

If you notice that someone has signs of heat exhaustion, you should: get them to lie down in a cool place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade removeany unnecessary clo

When to get medical help

Severe heat exhaustion or heatstroke requires hospital treatment. You should call 999 for an ambulance if: the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes the person has s

Who's most at risk?

Anyone candevelop heat exhaustion or heatstroke during a heatwave or while doing heavy exercise in hot weather. However,some people are at a higher risk. These include: elderly people babies and y

How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can often be prevented by taking sensible precautions when it's very hot. During the summer, check for heatwave warnings, so you're aware when there's a potential dange

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