Heat Exhaustion
A heat-related illness that occurs when your body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration.
Heat Exhaustion - Key Facts
Also Known As
Heat illness, heat prostration, heat collapse
ICD-10 Code
T67.0 (Heat exhaustion)
How Common
Common during summer months in hot climates like Dubai
Affected System
Cardiovascular, Thermoregulation
Urgency Level
Moderate - Seek shade and hydration
Healers Clinic Services
IV Hydration, Electrolyte Therapy, Homeopathy, Ayurvedic Cooling
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with physical activity and inadequate hydration. It is less severe than heat stroke but requires prompt attention to prevent progression to a life-threatening condition.
Your body normally cools itself through sweating, but in extreme heat or during intense physical activity, this cooling mechanism can fail, leading to dangerously elevated body temperature.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Heavy Sweating
Excessive sweating despite the heat, often accompanied by clammy skin
Weakness
Feeling tired, weak, or fatigued even with rest
Fast Heartbeat
Rapid, weak pulse due to stress on the cardiovascular system
Nausea & Vomiting
Feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting
Headache
Throbbing headache, often described as a heat-induced pain
Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded, faint, or unsteady
What Causes Heat Exhaustion?
Primary Causes
- • Exposure to high temperatures, especially in humid conditions where sweat cannot evaporate easily
- • Intense physical activity in hot weather that strains the body's cooling system
- • Dehydration from inadequate fluid intake during hot weather
- • Wearing heavy or tight clothing that prevents heat dissipation
Risk Factors
- • Age (young children and older adults are more vulnerable)
- • Certain medications that affect hydration or body temperature
- • Obesity, which makes it harder for the body to cool itself
- • Sudden temperature changes (e.g., traveling from air conditioning to outdoors)
When to Seek Medical Attention
Emergency Signs - Call Emergency Services
- * Body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
- * Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- * Rapid, strong pulse
- * Confusion, disorientation, or losing consciousness
- * These may indicate heat stroke - a life-threatening emergency
Schedule Evaluation at Healers Clinic
- * Symptoms persist for more than one hour despite rest and hydration
- * Repeated vomiting prevents keeping fluids down
- * You have a underlying health condition (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)
Treatment at Healers Clinic
IV Hydration Therapy
Rapid IV fluids to restore hydration and electrolyte balance directly into the bloodstream for immediate relief.
Electrolyte Replacement
Restore essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that are lost through excessive sweating.
Cooling Therapies
External cooling methods and monitoring to bring body temperature down safely and effectively.
Homeopathic Support
Constitutional homeopathic remedies to support the body's natural healing response to heat stress.
Ayurvedic Cooling
Traditional Ayurvedic treatments including cooling herbs, diet recommendations, and lifestyle adjustments.
Rest & Recovery Plan
Personalized guidance on activity levels, hydration needs, and gradual return to normal function.
Prevention Tips
Stay Hydrated
- • Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty
- • Avoid alcohol and caffeine in extreme heat
- • Use electrolyte drinks during prolonged heat exposure
Dress Appropriately
- • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
- • Use a wide-brimmed hat for shade
- • Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from UV
Plan Activities Wisely
- • Schedule outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day
- • Take frequent breaks in the shade
- • Acclimate gradually to hot weather
Keep Cool
- • Use air conditioning or fans
- • Take cool showers or use damp cloths
- • Never leave anyone in a parked car
Experiencing Heat-Related Symptoms?
Our expert practitioners at Healers Clinic can help you recover from heat exhaustion and provide preventive care for Dubai's hot climate.
Visit us at
St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai
Call us at
+971 56 274 1787