Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a heat illness. These happen when the air is too hot or your body cannot get rid of heat. Sometimes, it is a combination of these things.
Mild heat illnesses can cause a rash, swollen hands or feet, feeling dizzy, sweating, or muscle cramps. With more serious heat illnesses, you might have a raised body temperature, changes in thinking or behavior, trouble breathing, or headache.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly. "Heat cramps" and "heat exhaustion" are other, less serious forms of heat illness.
The doctors think it is safe for you to rest and recover at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially during exercise.
●Try not to be too active when it is hot and humid out. Exercise early in the day, and take breaks often. Wear loose, lightweight clothes. Don't wear too many layers.
●Avoid being in a hot car or other enclosed hot space.
●Watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It can also make you thirsty or tired. If you have any of these symptoms, stop and try to get cool.
●To cool your body down, you can:
•Spray yourself with cool water, and then sit in front of a fan.
•Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car.
•Take a cool shower or bath.
•Drink water or a sports drink. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
•Take off any extra clothing.
•Put multiple cold packs or cool cloths on your body. Replace them as soon as they are no longer cold. It might help cool you down faster to put cold packs on the front of your neck, armpits, and groin area.
●Have someone stay with you while you recover, if possible. They can watch you for problems and get help if needed.
When should I get emergency help?
●Someone should call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
•Are confused, or have trouble thinking or understanding
•Have trouble with walking, speaking, or balance
•Have a seizure
•Pass out
●Return to the ED if you:
•Feel hot, and are breathing very fast
•Feel hot, and are very weak or dizzy
•Have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-Not urinating for longer than 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak like you are going to fall
•Cannot keep fluids down
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Heat stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Staying safe in the sun (The Basics)
