When it’s warm and sunny outside, it may seem like a no-brainer to spend as much time outdoors as possible. As tempting as it may be to want to go outside and enjoy the weather, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with high temperatures and increased sun exposure. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can develop quickly and be fatal with proper medical care. Keep reading to learn more about the early warning signs of heat exhaustion, tips for prevention, and actions you can take to protect yourself from developing heat exhaustion during the summer.
At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our medical providers are board-certified and available to provide urgent care to patients in Lyndhurst, NJ, 7 days a week. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid care.
How Do You Get Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs due to your body overheating and being unable to cool down. This mainly occurs due to the rapid loss of salt and water from the body in the form of sweat. Without proper hydration with electrolytes to replace the salts and water, sweating in the sun can cause severe damage to the body.
Heat exhaustion is most common among athletes who spend time working out during hot summer days. People who work outdoors doing landscaping work or any job that requires physical exhaustion can lead to heat exhaustion. Young children, the elderly and anyone with underlying health conditions such as heart and lung conditions are at an especially high risk for developing heat exhaustion.
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion symptoms often are ignored which can lead to severe damage. It is important to know the early symptoms of heat exhaustion so that you can treat it effectively and know when to seek medical care.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
Tips for Preventing Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can be a dangerous condition. Without enough water, organ function can be compromised. The best way to avoid heat exhaustion is to take steps to prevent it. If you’re someone who likes to be active during the summertime and spends time outdoors exercising or doing physical labor, it is important to stay hydrated and monitor for early signs of heat exhaustion.
Staying hydrated and ensuring that you’re taking breaks from strenuous labor or exercise while outdoors is vital to preventing heat exhaustion. Rehydrating throughout the day with electrolytes is also a great way to replace the salt content in your body to avoid dehydration. During the especially hot summer days, it may be best to stay indoors for your workout if possible. Bringing sources of shade and ways to cool down such as ice packs is a good way to help your body stay cool even on hot days.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Rapid Same-Day Care in Lyndhurst, NJ
Heat exhaustion is a serious condition. It is always important to be aware of the early signs of heat exhaustion. If you are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, rehydrating your body quickly is vital to prevent serious damage to your organs. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our board-certified medical providers are trained to identify the signs of heat exhaustion and provide rapid treatment. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Our clinic maintains short wait times for walk-in patients, making it easy for you to get the care that you need. Simply walk into the clinic or call us directly at (201) 345-3839.
