What is one of the main symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Dizziness or faintness is indeed a prominent symptom of heat exhaustion. This condition typically occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt, leading to a significant drop in blood flow and affecting blood circulation. This can result in feelings of weakness, lightheadedness, or even fainting as the body's cooling mechanisms begin to fail. When the body overheats, it struggles to maintain its internal temperature, and the brain, being sensitive to dehydration and heat, can signal these sensations as a warning to seek cooling and hydration.

While excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and nausea are also associated symptoms of heat exhaustion, dizziness or faintness is often one of the first and most notable signs that a person is experiencing overheating due to environmental factors or prolonged physical activity in hot conditions. Recognizing this symptom early can be critical for timely intervention to prevent progression to more severe heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke.