Heat Exhaustion - Causes

What are the Causes of Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperature and in conditions where the body cannot dissipate the heat generated within the body.

Heat is generated in the body when a person works or exercises. Under normal circumstances, the body cools itself by sweating. In this process, the sweat glands secrete sweat; the heat generated from the body evaporates the sweat resulting in a reduction in body temperature.

But sometimes due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, the body loses a lot of water and electrolytes through excessive sweating. As a consequence, the body cannot cool itself any further. Decreased intake of fluids that contain adequate electrolytes can further complicate the condition, leading to heat exhaustion.