What is a common early symptom of heat exhaustion?

Fatigue is a common early symptom of heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body becomes overheated, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and vigorous physical activity. As the body struggles to cool itself and maintain a normal temperature, the individual may experience increased fatigue. This feeling of exhaustion can be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and headaches, which also indicate that the body is under stress from heat.

Dry skin, elevated heart rate, and coughing are not typically initial signs of heat exhaustion. In fact, one of the distinguishing features of heat exhaustion is often the presence of moist, clammy skin as the body sweats excessively in an effort to cool down. An elevated heart rate can occur as the body tries to compensate for heat stress, but it is not as direct a symptom as fatigue. Coughing is unrelated to heat exhaustion and indicates a respiratory issue rather than heat-related stress. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for recognizing heat exhaustion early and taking appropriate measures, such as moving to a cooler environment and rehydrating.