Summertime brings with it scorching temperatures that can reach triple digits. With that in mind, being safe while you’re outside is crucial. One of the most effective ways to keep yourself safe is to recognize some of the signs of heat exhaustion.

Excessive Sweating

Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling itself when your internal temperature gets too high. However, if you find yourself sweating profusely while still feeling like you’re overheating, it’s an early warning sign that you’re getting too hot. Your skin may appear pale and feel clammy to the touch. Sweating is completely normal, but if it’s accompanied by cool, damp skin, your internal temperature regulation is starting to falter.

Muscle Cramps and Weakness

When you sweat, your body loses electrolytes, which can lead to muscle cramps. Typically, you’ll notice these cramps in your arms and legs, though they sometimes occur in the abdomen. These cramps are a sign that your body is depleted and needs rehydration and rest.

In addition to cramps, heat exhaustion causes a general feeling of weakness. You may feel like your limbs are heavy or that simple movements require more effort than usual. If you notice these problems, go to a cool area as soon as possible, and slowly rehydrate.

Dizziness or Headache

Heat exhaustion can directly impact your blood pressure, which alters your body’s circulation. In the earliest stages of heat exhaustion, many people report feeling dizzy. When you’re dizzy, it’s also common to feel like it’s harder to focus, and these issues often lead to fainting.

A persistent headache is another early warning sign of heat exhaustion. Typically, heat-related headaches start as a dull throb that gets worse the longer you’re in the heat. When these problems arise, it’s time to go inside and cool off.

Nausea and Upset Stomach

When your internal temperature gets too high, your digestive system is one of the first areas to slow down. You may feel yourself getting queasy, and many people vomit during bouts with heat exhaustion.

Unfortunately, since nausea is relatively common, many people don’t recognize it as a warning sign of heat exhaustion. If nausea is followed by vomiting, it becomes even more dangerous, as your body loses more of the fluids that it needs. If you experience an upset stomach while out in the heat, it’s important to stop all activity, get to a cooler area, and give your body time to rest and recover.

One of the most effective ways to combat heat exhaustion is to have a quality home cooling system in place. If your air conditioner isn’t ready to keep your Albuquerque, NM, home cool and comfortable, call the team at Ace Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical today.