Watch for these signs: How to spot heat exhaustion before it becomes an emergency.
When the weather is hot, it is easy to brush off feeling tired, dizzy, or slightly sick to your stomach as just "part of being hot.”
In reality, these signs are your body’s way of saying it is unable to cool down. Heat illnesses can come on faster than many people realize and can affect anyone. Older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and even healthy adults are all at risk. No matter what activity you are doing, too much heat can put stress on your body and knowing how to read these signs can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a medical emergency.
What Happens During a Heat Illness?
Your body normally cools itself by sweating. But when temperatures are very high, especially if it is humid, sweating may not be enough to keep your body temperature down. "Many people don't realize how quickly extreme heat and humidity can strain our natural defenses," says Dr. Michael Tarkey MD, a family medicine physician at the PIH Health Bellflower Medical Office Building. "We rapidly lose vital water and salt, which forces the heart and other internal organs to work significantly harder just to keep the body functioning."
Early Signs You Should Not Ignore
Heat illness often starts with mild symptoms that can get worse if you do not cool down. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Physical Strain: Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, intense thirst, and cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Neurological Signs: Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or sudden fatigue
- Digestive upset: Nausea or a sick stomach
These symptoms may mean you are experiencing heat exhaustion. In this situation, take immediate action to cool down. “Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, drink water or an electrolyte-rich sports drink, loosen any tight clothing, and apply cool towels to your neck and underarms,” advises Dr. Tarkey. Rest until your body resets.
When Heat Illness Becomes Dangerous
If heat exhaustion isn’t treated, it can quickly turn into heat stroke, a medical emergency capable of causing permanent damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys. Signs of heat stroke include:
- A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Fast heartbeat
- Hot, red skin
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Trouble walking
It is important to note that while some people with heat stroke stop sweating, others may still sweat heavily.
Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, place cold cloths or ice packs on the body and use fans if available. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.
Who Is Most at Risk?
As mentioned, anyone can develop heat illnesses, but some people are more vulnerable and should take extra precaution. Infants, young children, and older adults naturally have a harder time regulating their internal body temperature. Managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity also makes it tougher for the body to cope with heat stress. Additionally, certain everyday medications such as blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and some psychiatric prescriptions, can drastically alter your fluid balance or sweat response. Finally, athletes and outdoor workers face elevated risk simply because pushing physical limits in high temperatures significantly accelerates how fast heat illness begins.
Follow these tips when temperatures rise to prevent heat illnesses:
- Drink water throughout the day
- Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car
- Check on older family members during heat waves
"At the end of the day, your body is your best guide," says Dr. Tarkey. "By staying mindful of early symptoms and acting quickly at the first sign of trouble, you can safely enjoy everything the summer season has to offer without putting your health at risk."
Michael Tarkey MD
Michael Tarkey MD is a family medicine doctor with a subspecialty in chronic disease management and addiction medicine. Dr. Tarkey chose to go into medicine because he had a passion for teaching, biology, and community work. Medicine was an excellent way for him to combine all of his passions into a meaningful career. Family medicine requires a broad knowledge base as the foundation for providing healthcare to the whole community. Dr. Tarkey believes that when he sees a patient in the context of their community and family, he can more fully address their needs. Dr. Tarkey completed a two-year fellowship in academic medicine to learn how to be a better educator and researcher within medicine and he also completed his Masters degree in healthcare administration. He enjoys getting to know his patients and their families over time, as well as seeing patients grow their knowledge and confidence about their health. Coming from an academic background, he values being up to date in his field and the latest research. Having bilingual language skills allows him to bring different cultural perspective to his practice. Dr. Tarkey grew up in the Midwest and moved to Southern California in 2023. He loves the outdoors and is an avid rock climber and backpacker.
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