Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
The treatment of heat exhaustion must be swift, supportive, and focused on reducing core body temperature and replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. If identified early, heat exhaustion can be reversed with basic first aid, preventing the condition from escalating into life-threatening heatstroke. The main goals in the treatment of heat exhaustion are to cool the individual down, rehydrate them, restore electrolyte balance, and monitor for any signs of deterioration.
The first and most critical step is to remove the person from the hot environment immediately. Whether they are indoors or outdoors, they should be moved to a cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned area. If indoors, fans and open windows can assist with ventilation if air conditioning is not available. Reducing the individual’s exposure to heat stops further overheating and gives the body a chance to begin cooling itself naturally.
Once in a cooler setting, the next step is to encourage the person to rest and lie down. Preferably with their legs elevated to improve circulation and reduce the risk of fainting. Elevating the legs also helps combat the low blood pressure that often accompanies dehydration and electrolyte loss. If the person feels dizzy or faint, lying flat with legs slightly elevated can help restore blood flow to the brain.
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
Hydration is a cornerstone of treatment. If the individual is alert and not vomiting, they should be encouraged to slowly sip cool fluids. Water is beneficial, but oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte-containing drinks. Such as sports drinks—are preferable, especially when significant sweating and salt loss have occurred. These drinks help replace not only fluid but also critical salts like sodium and potassium, which are often depleted during prolonged sweating.
If someone feels sick or is vomiting, it may be hard for them to drink enough fluids. In this case, doctors may need to give fluids through an IV to quickly replace lost water and correct salt imbalances. This treatment usually happens in a clinic, urgent care centre, or hospital. It’s important to get medical help right away if vomiting doesn’t stop or if the person can’t keep any fluids downs.
Cooling measures should be implemented immediately. These may include:
Removing excess clothing, including hats, socks, and tight garments, to help dissipate body heat.
Applying cool, damp cloths or towels to the skin, particularly on the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin where major blood vessels are located.
Fanning the person to promote evaporation and accelerate cooling.
Spraying or sponging the body with cool (not ice-cold) water, which facilitates evaporative cooling.
Using ice packs placed on pulse points, such as the wrists, ankles, underarms, or neck, to draw heat away from the body’s core.
However, very cold treatments like ice baths or cold-water immersion are usually used for heatstroke, not heat exhaustion. These methods are only considered if the person isn’t getting better with gentler cooling. Sudden exposure to extreme cold can be risky, especially for older adults, young children, or people with heart problems. Because of this, it’s safer to start with milder cooling methods first.
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
Monitoring the person’s condition is vital during treatment. Improvement is often seen within 30 minutes of cooling and rehydration, but if symptoms persist—or if confusion, vomiting, or unconsciousness develops—urgent medical evaluation is needed. Persistent high body temperature (especially above 38.5°C), altered mental status, or seizures are signs that heat exhaustion may be progressing to heatstroke, which requires immediate emergency care.
In any case where the person has underlying health issues (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disorders), or if they are part of a high-risk group such as the elderly, pregnant individuals, or young children, medical review is recommended even if symptoms appear to improve. Their physiological reserves are often lower, and they may relapse or suffer complications without appropriate follow-up.
Following recovery, rest is essential for at least 24–48 hours. The body may remain sensitive to heat, and exertion should be avoided until full recovery is confirmed. Hydration should continue even after symptoms subside, and any contributing factors—such as medication side effects, dehydration, or excessive physical exertion—should be reviewed and addressed.
Education and Prevention
Education and prevention form an important part of treatment, particularly for those at repeated risk. Individuals who experienced heat exhaustion should be informed about:
Recognising early warning signs of heat stress.
Maintaining adequate hydration throughout the day.
Avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours (typically 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Wearing appropriate clothing—lightweight, light-coloured, and breathable materials.
Gradual acclimatisation to hot environments or strenuous activity in heat.
Planning ahead by monitoring weather forecasts and heat alerts.
Occupational health protocols may need to be reviewed for workers in outdoor or high-heat environments. Measures such as scheduled hydration breaks, shaded rest areas, heat acclimatisation programmes, and buddy systems can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
In athletic settings, coaches and fitness professionals should be trained to recognise and respond to heat illness quickly. Access to hydration stations, shaded rest areas, and first aid supplies should be standard during training sessions and events.
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
In summary, the treatment of heat exhaustion involves immediate removal from heat, active cooling, careful rehydration, and monitoring for signs of progression. Most individuals recover fully with timely intervention, but delayed treatment can result in complications or escalation to heatstroke. Prevention and education are key to reducing repeat episodes, especially during hot weather or in vulnerable populations.
