Treatment for heat exhaustion usually does not require emergency or other medical care. However, if you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, you must get out of the heat, preferably to an air-conditioned space. Find a cool and shady location to rest if you cannot get indoors.
Try to drink plenty of cool liquids, especially sports drinks, to replace lost electrolytes. You should avoid caffeine and alcohol because both increase the risk of dehydration.
Other things you can do to manage heat exhaustion are:
- Remove tight or excess clothing.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
- Use a fan.
- Apply cold compresses to the neck and underarms to help cool the body.
Call your healthcare provider if these measures do not help and symptoms don’t improve after about an hour. If symptoms get worse, call 911 or go to an emergency room.