Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
- Heavy sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Dizziness, headache and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fast breathing or pulse
Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt, usually in hot weather, during heavy work or exercise, or in a hot car or room. It causes heavy sweating, tiredness, dizziness, headache and cramps, and gets better within half an hour of cooling down and drinking. Heatstroke is more serious: the body can no longer cool itself, the temperature rises very high and the brain is affected, causing confusion, collapse or fits. Heatstroke is an emergency. Older people, babies, people with heart or kidney disease and outdoor workers are most at risk.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Dizziness, headache and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fast breathing or pulse
- In heatstroke: hot skin that may stop sweating, confusion, collapse or a fit
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now, or call 112, if the person is confused, collapses, has a fit, stops sweating while still hot, or does not improve within thirty minutes of cooling and fluids. See a doctor if you have repeated episodes, or if heat symptoms affect someone with heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes.
Treatment options
- Moving to a cool, shaded place and lying down with legs raised
- Removing extra clothing
- Sponging or spraying with cool water and fanning
- Sipping water, ORS or a sports drink
- Rapid cooling and fluids through a drip in hospital for heatstroke
Common Questions
How can I prevent heat illness?
Drink regularly in hot weather, wear light, loose clothing, avoid heavy work in the hottest hours, and never leave a child or older person in a parked car.
Is it malaria or the heat?
Both can cause fever, headache and weakness. Heat exhaustion improves quickly with cooling and fluids; a fever that continues should be tested for malaria.
Should I give paracetamol for heatstroke?
No. Paracetamol does not lower the temperature in heatstroke. Cooling the body is what works, while getting to hospital.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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