What Is Heat Exhaustion? Get the Facts

Heat exhaustion is a concern for millions of workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3,000 workers per year sustain a heat-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment. If you work outdoors -- or if you work in poorly ventilated indoor spaces -- you could be exposed to heat. Over time, exposure to heat may cause heat exhaustion. What is heat exhaustion exactly, and how can you prevent it?

Overview of Heat Exhaustion

Not to be confused with heat stroke, heat exhaustion is a medical condition that's characterized by an elevated core body temperature from exposure to heat. Our bodies are designed to operate within a specific temperature. Normally, your core body temperature should hover around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to heat, though, your core body temperature. If it increases beyond 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, you may experience heat exhaustion.

Some of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Sweating
• Dry skin
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea

It's important to note that heat exhaustion isn't the same as heat stroke. They are both considered forms of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is simply a more severe form of heat-related illness. Most people will experience heat exhaustion before they experience heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heat stroke. If you don't take action to lower your body temperature while experiencing heat exhaustion, it could progress into heat stroke.

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion

You can prevent heat exhaustion in several ways. Whether you're working indoors or outdoors, wearing loose-fitting clothing can keep your core body temperature in check while lowering your risk of heat exhaustion. Loose-fitted clothing will allow your body to breathe. In turn, you'll stay cooler and better protected from heat exhaustion.

Drinking lots of water can lower your risk of heat exhaustion. Our bodies have a natural cooling mechanism: perspiration. When your core body temperature begins to increase, you'll sweat. This perspiration will essentially release some of the heat from within your body. With that said, you need to stay hydrated so that your body can produce perspiration. If you are dehydrated, your body won't produce much if any perspiration, which can cause your core body temperature to increase.

Don't forget to take breaks to cool off. The longer you work in a hot environment, the greater your risk of heat exhaustion. Taking a short break every half-hour or hour will allow you to cool off. These are just a few tips to prevent heat exhaustion.