Signs & Symptoms of Overexertion in High Outdoor Heat

Working or playing outdoors is about appropriate levels of exertion and protection from the elements. The human body functions well in only a narrow range of conditions. It's easy to overexert in hot weather, and you may not even really notice you have progressed from simply sweating onto more dangerous ground. The end result can be heatstroke, which can be fatal. When it is not fatal, heatstroke can damage internal organs or at the very least leave you nauseated and with a headache you'll never want to experience again.

Sweating

• Sweating heavily is not a sign of overexertion or heatstroke. It is definitely a sign your body is heating up and needs to cool down. Be careful not to assume a lack of heavy sweat means everything is OK. You can be progressing into trouble too rapidly for sweat production to really get going; and in very hot, dry weather, much of the sweat can evaporate quickly. Also, when the body starts emergency cooling by boosting blood flow, sweating can actually decrease.

Dizziness and Nausea

• The body tries to compensate and cool down by rapidly pumping more blood to carry the heat away. This can cause faintness or dizziness. This of course is dangerous in itself, especially when you're engaged in physical activity, as it can lead to a fall or other type of accident. Dizziness can progress quickly to nausea, a very clear sign of heat overexertion.

Pounding Heart or Pulse

• As with dizziness, you may notice your heart pounding or your pulse racing. An increased heart rate is normal during exercise, but you need to be able to judge when it's gone beyond what is reasonable for your body. The symptoms can feel like a heart attack; if this occurs, it is time to sit down in the shade and possibly seek help.

Disorientation

• Disorientation is difficult to self-diagnose; but if you are having trouble concentrating or making decisions, or are emotionally overwrought or excessively angry for no good reason, these can be signs of heat overexertion.

Headache

• Always wear a hat in the sun. Once the inside of your skull starts to overheat, severe damage can occur. If you have spent time in the sun and develop a headache that continues to get worse, it's probably time to seek medical help.