What Symptoms Mean You Should Go to the Hospital After Heat Exhaustion?

As the first heatwave warning of the year was issued for Seoul and the capital area, the risk of exposure to heat-related illness has increased. When a heatwave advisory or warning is in effect, it is best to reduce outdoor activities as much as possible and stay indoors. In particular, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest, avoid working or being active outdoors. If going outside is unavoidable, you should frequently go somewhere in the shade and rest while drinking plenty of water.

If you are not careful, heat exhaustion symptoms can become life-threatening. People often think that “getting heat exhaustion” simply means your energy has dropped because your body is weak, but that is not the case. Among cases of heat exhaustion, there are also severe situations that require immediate medical attention.

Today, we will look at the symptoms of heat exhaustion, when you should go to the hospital, and also foods that are good for heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

What is commonly called “getting heat exhaustion” refers to being exposed to intense heat for a long time, causing the heat to interfere with the central regulatory function that controls body temperature, so body heat cannot be released outward and abnormal symptoms appear.

So when you get heat exhaustion, symptoms such as loss of appetite and lack of strength can appear, showing an overall decline in physical function. In severe cases, symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and headache may accompany heat exhaustion. The following are representative symptoms of heat exhaustion. If you have any of these suspicious symptoms, you may suspect that your body function has been disrupted by heat.

✔ Feel weak

✔ No appetite

✔ Dizziness and cold sweats

✔ Severe headache and thirst

✔ Symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea

✔ Mild fever (37°C or higher)

✔ The whole body is soaked with sweat

When You Should Go to the Hospital for Heat Exhaustion

So far, we have looked at the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

If the symptoms above appear, first move the patient to the shade so they are not directly exposed to sunlight. It is also good to wash the body with lukewarm water, or if clothing is tight, loosen it so that ventilation is better and blood circulation improves.

It is also good to lower body temperature by having them feel air from an air conditioner from a distance.

If it is simple heat exhaustion, these measures may ease the symptoms and allow recovery, but in the following cases, the symptoms correspond to heatstroke, so it is important to be careful because they are situations in which you should go to the hospital quickly when heat exhaustion occurs.

✔ A high fever of 40°C or higher

✔ Neurological abnormalities such as convulsions, delirium, or loss of consciousness

✔ Blood pressure is dropping

✔ Dry skin

Heatstroke can be life-threatening because of abnormalities in the central nervous system.

Therefore, if you have the symptoms above, it is advisable to go to the hospital quickly and receive appropriate treatment.

Foods That Are Good for Heat Exhaustion

So far, we have looked at the symptoms of heat exhaustion and when you should go to the hospital for it. To avoid heat exhaustion, it is best not to overexert yourself with outdoor activities when temperatures are high. It is also good to drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. Eating seasonal fruits that are rich in moisture can also help you get through the heat and can be considered good foods for heat exhaustion.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a fruit made up mostly of water, so it can provide sufficient hydration. In addition, it helps relieve thirst, recover from fatigue, detoxify, and reduce fever, making it helpful when you have heat exhaustion. When you feel nauseous after being under strong sunlight for a long time, eating watermelon may help.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are also vegetables rich in water and can help replenish fluids in the summer. In addition, cucumbers help cool the heat that builds up in the body, so they can bring vitality to the body when you are exhausted from the heat.

Maesil

Maesil can help expel toxins from the body not only through its digestive aid function but also through its detoxifying function. If you chill maesil and drink it as tea, it is one of the good foods for heat exhaustion in the summer.

Tomato

Lastly, there are tomatoes. Tomatoes are a food that is easy to find around you and are rich in vitamins. In addition to vitamins, they are rich in potassium and citric acid, which help recover from summer fatigue and cool the body, helping to lower the heat in a body that has become hot from the heat.

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