Discharge Instructions - Heat Exhaustion

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is a condition that can happen when a person's body gets too hot.  Most often, heat exhaustion happens when people exercise in very hot and humid weather without drinking enough fluids.  But heat exhaustion can also happen in people who are not exercising.  It is especially likely to affect older people and people who have health problems, so they need to be extra careful in hot conditions.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly.  That's because heat stroke can lead to death if it is not treated quickly.

People with heat exhaustion have:

    -A body temperature above 98.6°F but less than 104°F (37-40°C)

    -Dark-colored urine or less frequent urination

    -Fainting

    -Muscle or abdominal cramps

    -Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

    -Headache

    -Fatigue

The main treatment of heat exhaustion involves cooling your body down. This may have been accomplished in different ways in the Emergency Department.  You may have received cooled fluids through a tiny plastic tube called an IV.  You may have also been wrapped in cool blankets or placed by fans.  In some cases, patients are submerged in cool water in the Emergency Department.

You can avoid heat injuries by being aware of the risk and appropriate safety precautions.  When it is hot or humid out, you can do the following things to prevent heat injuries:

-Try not to be too active, and take breaks when you exercise.

-Drink enough fluids, such as water or sports drinks, so you do not feel thirsty.  But don't force yourself to drink very large amounts in a short time, and don't drink so much that you feel uncomfortable.  This can be harmful.

-Do any exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot out.

-Wear loose, lightweight clothes.  Don't wear too many layers.

-Avoid being in a hot car.

You should also watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion.  Heat cramps cause painful muscle cramps.  Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.  It can also make you thirsty or tired.

If you have symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should cool your body down right away to avoid getting heat stroke.

To cool your body down, you can:

    -Spray yourself with cool water and then sit in front of a fan.

    -Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car.

    -Take a cool shower or bath.

    -Drink water or a sports drink. Do not have a drink with alcohol or caffeine.

    -Take off any extra clothing you are wearing.

    -Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck or armpit.

Return to the Emergency Department for elevated temperature (>102 °F) or any elevated temperature with confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms, inability to tolerate fluids by mouth, or any other new or concerning symptoms.