Fainting may or may not accompany heat exhaustion. It is important that athletes wear light weight, loose-fitting clothing to allow sweat to evaporate and cool the body. Heat acclimatization is best accomplished by gradually increasing the duration and intensity of exercise training during the initial 10-14 days of heat exposure. Even after acclimatization has been accomplished, however, the most grueling workouts should be conducted during the cooler morning hours, to reduce the risk of dangerously high body temperatures. Heatstroke is the most serious condition associated with excess body heat.
Body temperature is elevated to a level that causes tissue damage and affects multiple organs.
The simplest way to distinguish heatstroke from heat exhaustion is to look for mental confusion, disorientation, collapse, or unconsciousness. When one of these signs appear, begin cooling the body with ice packs or by immersion in cool water. Runners should not exercise if they have an ongoing illness, respiratory infection, diarrhea, vomiting or fever. Running is enjoyed by more than 20 million people of all ages and fitness levels. Millions of individuals are involved in cycling, soccer, basketball and other outdoor sports.