Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
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 Lightheadedness
- a decrease in blood pressure
- a headache
- muscle cramps
- feeling and being sick
- heavy sweating
- intense thirst
- afast pulse
- urinating less often and having much darker urine than usual
If left untreated, more severe symptoms of heatstroke can develop, including confusion, disorientation, seizures (fits) and a loss of consciousness.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products