Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms can include heavy perspiration; nausea; lightheadedness; severe thirst; dilated pupils; and red or pale, cool skin.
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Heat Exhaustion, First Aid 

Picture of Heat Exhaustion, First Aid: Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms can include heavy perspiration; nausea; lightheadedness; severe thirst; dilated pupils; and red or pale, cool skin. Divider line
Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms can include heavy perspiration; nausea; lightheadedness; severe thirst; dilated pupils; and red or pale, cool skin.
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Signs and Symptoms
A person with heat exhaustion may feel faint or nauseated, be very thirsty, act irrationally, have dilated pupils (pupils are larger than normal), be very sweaty, or have cool and moist skin that is either reddened or pale.

You can differentiate the moderately severe form of heat illness, heat exhaustion, from more- or less-severe forms by comparing the person's symptoms described above to the following:
  • Heat cramps – Painful muscle cramps (eg, in the legs, arms, abdomen, or back), heavy perspiration, and general weakness/lightheadedness.
  • Heatstroke includes some or all of the following symptoms:
    • A high body temperature (above 102° F)
    • Skin that is red and hot with lack of sweating (sweating that has stopped)
    • Small pupils
    • A rapid, weak pulse
    • Rapid, shallow breathing
    • Extreme confusion or irritability
    • Weakness
    • Seizures
    • Unconsciousness
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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