What does exertional heat exhaustion result from?

Exertional heat exhaustion is a condition that arises when the body cannot adequately dissipate heat, particularly during physical exertion in hot and humid conditions. It results from a combination of environmental heat stress and strenuous physical exercise, which can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself through sweat and other mechanisms.

When engaging in intense physical activity in a hot environment, the body generates heat through metabolic processes. If the surrounding temperature is high, it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to lose heat. This can lead to dehydration, reduced blood flow to vital organs, and ultimately symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

In this context, excessive fluid intake, low blood sugar levels, and viral infections do not directly cause exertional heat exhaustion. While hydration is important for performance and recovery, drinking excessively without addressing the heat and exertion may not prevent the condition. Similarly, low blood sugar and viral infections can lead to fatigue and illness but are not the core factors responsible for exertional heat exhaustion, which is specifically linked to the combination of environmental conditions and physical strain.