What are common symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that arises when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or rigorous physical activity in hot weather. The body attempts to cool itself through sweating; however, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and a loss of essential salts in the body.

The symptoms associated with heat exhaustion reflect its underlying physiological response to heat stress. Heavy sweating indicates the body's effort to regulate temperature. Weakness and dizziness commonly arise due to the combination of dehydration and electrolyte loss. Nausea is a response of the gastrointestinal system that can occur during extreme fatigue or when the body is overworked in high temperatures. Headache is often a result of dehydration and heat effects on blood flow and metabolism.

In contrast, the other options include symptoms that are not characteristic of heat exhaustion. For example, shivering and cold skin would indicate a response to cold conditions rather than heat. Loss of consciousness and high blood pressure are more severe symptoms associated with heat stroke, a much more serious heat-related illness. Lastly, while muscle cramps can occur with heat exhaustion, blurred vision and dry mouth may suggest dehydration but do not encompass the primary symptoms of this condition.

Thus, the symptoms listed reflect the typical clinical picture one would observe in an individual suffering from heat