In the previous post, I talked about how you could prevent heat stroke and its terrible effects. While you may try to follow all of the tips and guidelines, spending time out in the harsh summer elements may still cause you to have health problems. This post will explain what you can do to treat heat exhaustion or stroke at home, and when you need to turn to medical help.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
After working out in the sun and hot weather, you may start to experience some of the unpleasant effects of heat exhaustion. If not noticed and treated quickly, this condition could progress into heat stroke and might even be fatal. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, fatigue, thirst, racing heartbeat, vomiting, headache, and pale or clammy skin.
Find a Cool Place
If you believe that you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important that you get out of the heat and into a cool place. If you do not have air conditioning, sit down in front of a fan or in the shade.
Drink Something
When you’re faced with heat exhaustion, you may find it tempting to grab a huge glass of ice-cold soda and guzzle it down. As appealing as it may sound, don’t do this! Instead, go for a cool glass of water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. Since heat exhaustion is often a result of dehydration, it is important that you replenish your fluids.
Cooling Down
If you wish, you can also choose to lower your body temperature by misting yourself with cool water. If you have a spray gun, this will be perfect. Do not make the water too cold; it should simply be cool, similar in temperature to the water that you drink.
Use of Herbs
There are several herbs which can be used in cases of heat exhaustion; some of these include Yarrow, Chinese skullcap, willow bark, and, strange as it may sound, cayenne pepper. While these herbs can help to cool down your body temperature, it is important that you use them carefully; some of them may cause problems if you are pregnant or may increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to always talk to an herbalist before starting any of these treatments.
When to Get Help
If your symptoms do not begin to go away after treatment, or if you start to feel worse, than it is important that you get medical attention. Heat exhaustion can easily lead to heat stroke which might become fatal. With hospitalization and fluids, you can greatly increase your chances of survival.
Summer is a very stressful time for our bodies and it is important that we learn to take heed of the warning signs. If you believe that you are suffering from heat exhaustion, begin taking precautions as soon as possible.

