Sweat is your body's way of staying cool. It plays an important role in regulating your body temperature when you are in certain situations including participating in strenuous activities or out in the sun for an extended amount of time.

Unfortunately, sometimes your body does not sweat enough to stay cool or when you do sweat, you may not be drinking enough fluids to replenish your body. In both cases, you may experience heat exhaustion.

• Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

If you experience the symptoms listed below and think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion, tell your parent or an adult.

• Excessive (lots of) sweating
  
• Feeling nauseous or dizzy
  
• Headaches
  
• Fainting
  
• Feeling weak
  
• Throwing up
  
• Pale, moist or cool skin
  
• Fatigue, or being very tired
  
• Faster breathing, pulse and heart rate
  
• Cramps or muscle aches

Back to top

Treatment

If you experience heat exhaustion, the suggestions listed below may help.

• Tell your parent or an adult so he or she can help you. This is important because heat exhaustion can be dangerous in severe cases.
  
• If you are outdoors, lie down in a shady area.
  
• If you are indoors, rest somewhere that has air-conditioning.
  
• Wear light clothes, such as t-shirts and shorts, in hot weather.
  
• Drink plenty of cold fluids, preferably water.
  
• Take a cool shower or bath to lower your body temperature.

Back to top

Prevention

Prevent heat exhaustion with the tips listed below.

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (physicians recommend eight 8 oz glasses of water).
  
• Wear light clothing in hot temperatures.
  
• Select shady areas for outdoor activities.
  
• When you are in the heat, do not be overly active and rest when feeling hot or tired.

Back to top