In fact, a person can have heat exhaustion without developing heat stroke, and vice versa. However, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, if left untreated. Heat exhaustion is caused by failing to replace fluids lost through perspiration and by generating more heat internally, through either work or exercise, than the body is capable of losing. Working or exercising in an extremely hot environment can be dangerous, especially for those not used to the heat. Other things that may lead to heat exhaustion include not having enough salt in your diet or not sweating enough to cool-down the body.
Mild symptoms are a warning sign to stop exercise, seek a cool area and drink more fluid.
If severe symptoms happen, you should get immediate medical attention. In most cases of heat exhaustion, given immediate and proper care, a person can recover fully. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat when in the sun, stay in the shade whenever possible, and park cars or trucks in the shade, take cool baths or showers frequently, drink plenty of fluids, like water or gatorade, eat a light diet, avoid alcohol and caffeine, keep your home at 75 to 76 degrees, dress in lightweight clothing, and keep a water bottle or thermos of fluid handy during work or play, to make it easier to drink plenty of fluids. The way to prevent heat exhaustion is to stay out of the sun as much as possible, keep cool, and drink plenty of fluids. For information on heat stroke, please listen to the recording on that in the first aid section of your AudioHealth Library Directory.