How can Heat Exhaustion be treated?
Heat exhaustion can be treated at home.
The treatment strategy for heat exhaustion includes the following-
- The affected person should be moved to a cool and shady place, preferably in an air-conditioned room.
- Cooling measures should be undertaken like removing of tight clothing and giving a bath with cool water.
- The most important thing is to maintain proper hydration. The affected individual should drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages. Water or electrolyte replacement solutions are the best options. Medical consultation may be necessary if nausea and vomiting make it difficult to drink enough fluid to replenish the body's water supply as intravenous fluids may be required to replace the water loss.
- Muscle cramps and pain, if present, can be treated with stretching exercises or painkillers.
However, if the above measures do not provide relief within half an hour, then the person must seek immediate medical attention as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
