Heat Exhaustion
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself effectively, commonly experienced by hikers and campers during strenuous outdoor activities in hot weather. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, and dizziness, typically developing when body temperature rises but remains below 104°F. It represents a serious warning sign that can progress to life-threatening heat stroke if not addressed immediately through rest, shade, hydration, and cooling measures. Prevention involves proper hydration, taking frequent breaks, wearing appropriate clothing, and recognizing early warning signs during outdoor activities.
Related Terms
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails during outdoor activities in hot conditions. It happens when core body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), causing the body to stop sweating and leading to confusion, altered mental state, and potential organ failure. Heat stroke is a medical emergency common among hikers and campers who become dehydrated, overexert themselves in high temperatures, or fail to seek shade and cooling during hot weather activities.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is a dangerous medical condition where the body's core temperature rises above normal levels (above 100.4°F/38°C), often occurring during outdoor activities in hot weather or from overexertion. It encompasses heat-related illnesses ranging from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke, where the body's cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed and can no longer regulate temperature effectively. Hikers and campers are at risk when engaging in strenuous activity in high temperatures, wearing excessive clothing, or becoming dehydrated, making prevention through proper hydration, rest, and heat management crucial for outdoor safety.