Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that develops after exposure to high temperatures for an extended period of time. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats and cannot cool itself, often accompanied by dehydration.
 It can cause serious health complications and even death if left untreated.

1. Symptoms of heat exhaustion

Here are the most common signs and symptoms of heat stress:

high temperature
Dark colored urine (a sign of dehydration).
Dizziness
fatigue
fainting
Vomiting and nausea.
Headache
Abdominal or muscle cramps
sweating profusely
fast heartbeat
pale skin

2. What causes heat stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body is dehydrated and cannot control the level of internal heat.
 As the weather warms, sweat usually cools your skin and acts as an air conditioner for the rest of your body.
 Your body works hard to control its basal temperature when you are active. When your body temperature rises too high and your body fails to cool it down, you develop heat exhaustion.

3 . Heat stress treatment

If you or someone else has signs of heat stress, get away from the heat as soon as possible and rest in a fully air-conditioned place. If you can't get in, find a nice shady spot near you.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks, to restore lost salts, in addition to other measures (avoid caffeine and alcohol).

Remove any clothing that is too tight or unnecessary.
Shower or apply compresses around the neck and armpits with a sponge damped in cold water.
Lie with your feet slightly raised
Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours between 11 am and 3 pm
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate.

If these procedures do not provide relief within 15 minutes, seek immediate medical attention, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if left untreated.

4 . Prevent heat exhaustion

It is recommended to stay indoors in the air conditioner when the heat index is high. If you have to go outside, follow these measures to avoid heat exhaustion:

1- Use a sunscreen with a good SPF of at least 30.
2- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
3- Drink plenty of water and fruit juice or vegetable juice every day to avoid dehydration. Since heat-related illnesses can also occur due to salt deficiency.
4- Ask your doctor about the best types of fluids you should drink, and how much you should take.
5- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they may cause you to lose more fluids and increase heat exhaustion.
6- If you suffer from epilepsy or serious problems with the heart, kidneys or liver, follow a fluid-restricted diet, or have a problem with fluid retention. Consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.
7- If you do sports, it is good to do it in the early morning, or in the evening when the temperature drops.