Heat Exhaustion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Heat Exhaustion - Essay Example Sunburns, heat cramps, heat stress, heat stroke and heat exhausting are some of the heat related disorders. While the symptoms and treatment may differ, in each case there is overexposure to heat or the person has over exercised for his/her age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment. Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body usually through excessive sweating (SJA, 2007). Severe debilitation occurs due to extreme body heat. Excessive heat and dehydration cause the body temperature to rise above 102 degrees (Alonzo, 2003). While the causes of heat exhaustion can be many, there are various ways in which people can protect themselves from the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include paleness, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, or even vomiting, fainting and cool and clammy skin (Alonzo). The treatment and prevention are issues which should be known to every individual. If the victim is out in the sun, he/she should be brought out of the sun and made to lie down after loosening the clothes preferably in an air conditioned room. Wet cloth should be applied and urged to take frequent sips of water. If this causes nausea then water sips have to be discontinued. Medical attention may be required if vomiting persists. There are various ways in which the people themselves or the organizations can reduce or even prevent heat exhaustion. First and foremost the body should be allowed to acclimatize to the difference in temperature especially for those who are not used to working in hot environment (Dresser). They have to get accustomed to working in the heat which normally takes a week or two to get used to. Reducing the physical demands of the job for a week or two allows a worker to acclimatize. Cool shady environments are prerequisites for prevention of heat exhaustion. Secondly, the body has to be well hydrated and this means