Which symptoms are indicative of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that can occur when the body becomes excessively dehydrated and unable to regulate temperature effectively, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or vigorous physical activity in hot weather. The symptoms indicative of heat exhaustion include cool, clammy skin and profuse sweating. This occurs as the body attempts to cool itself down by sweating, which is often accompanied by a feeling of weakness and fatigue due to loss of fluids and electrolytes.

The presence of cool, clammy skin signifies that while the body is trying to cool down, it is still retaining a level of moisture due to the ongoing sweating, distinguishing it from more severe heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, where the skin often becomes hot and dry. Profuse sweating further emphasizes the body's effort to regulate heat, and combined with feelings of weakness, it suggests the early stages of heat-related illness that require immediate attention. Recognizing these symptoms early can significantly help in preventing the progression to more severe heat-related conditions.