Which symptom indicates heat exhaustion?

Profuse sweating is a key symptom of heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body becomes overheated and unable to cool itself effectively. This condition typically results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and strenuous physical activity without adequate hydration. The body attempts to cool itself through sweating, leading to an increased loss of fluids and electrolytes.

In heat exhaustion, individuals may experience excessive sweating as the body's mechanism to regulate temperature kicks in. This can often be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Recognizing profuse sweating as an indicator of heat exhaustion is essential for timely management, including moving the person to a cooler place, providing hydration, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Other symptoms listed, such as no thirst, cool dry skin, and immediate confusion, do not align with the classic presentation of heat exhaustion. In fact, no thirst can indicate a degree of dehydration or the body’s response to heat, while cool dry skin would suggest heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion. Immediate confusion may also appear in cases of heat-related illnesses but is more closely associated with heat stroke, where brain function is significantly impaired.