What causes heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion happens when the body becomes overheated due to inadequate hydration and exposure to high temperatures for an extended time period. It happens in humid or hot weather or when engaging in physically strenuous activity without taking proper precautions. Learn more about its causes from the best medicine doctor in Newtown at The Newtown Clinic.

One of the main causes of heat exhaustion is the body’s inability to cool itself efficiently in extreme heat. When exposed to high temperatures, the body tries to regulate its temperature by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin. However, in humid conditions, sweat may not evaporate as effectively, hindering the body's cooling mechanisms.

Another factor is dehydration, which occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Without enough fluids, the body cannot produce an adequate amount of sweat to cool down, leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion.

Certain individuals are also more susceptible to heat exhaustion, including older adults, young children and individuals with certain medical conditions or medications that affect their ability to regulate body temperature.

Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache is crucial for prevention of more severe heat-related sickness like heatstroke.