Heat-Related Illnesses
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have any signs of heat exhaustion?
See significance of heat exhaustion if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you fainted?
Yes Do you continue to have blurred vision, a headache, or vomiting after 1 hour of first aid measures and drinking fluids?
Yes Do you have a fast heart rate (over 120 beats per minute) or fast breathing (hyperventilation) after 1 hour of first aid measures and drinking fluids?
Note: For more information on how to check your heart rate, see the topic Pulse Measurement.
Yes Do you still feel very tired, lightheaded, dizzy, or weak after 1 hour of first aid measures and drinking fluids?
Yes Do you continue to sweat profusely or have pale, cool, and moist skin after 1 hour of first aid measures and drinking fluids?
Yes Do you have abdominal cramps, severe heat cramps, or muscle aches after 1 hour of first aid measures and drinking fluids?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Note: The following symptoms should get better in 4 hours with home treatment measures and drinking fluids. If symptoms do not get better in 4 hours, call your doctor today to talk about your symptoms.
Yes Do you continue to feel weak, thirsty, and have mild heat cramps after using home treatment measures?
Yes Do you continue to feel faint after exercising in a hot environment despite using home treatment measures?
Yes Do you continue to feel nauseated and lightheaded after using home treatment measures?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 12, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
 | ||