heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a medical condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and physical exertion in a hot environment. It is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, nausea, dizziness, and profuse sweating. This condition is also known as heat prostration.1

Heat exhaustion can be distinguished from heatstroke, a more severe heat-related illness. Heatstroke involves an extreme and uncontrolled elevation of body temperature, often exceeding 104 °F (40 °C), and can lead to central nervous system damage. While heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating and moderate or absent elevation of body temperature, heatstroke victims may have hot, dry, flushed skin and can progress to collapse or coma if not treated promptly with cooling methods.23