Which symptom is associated with heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and vigorous physical activity. One of the hallmark symptoms of heat exhaustion is sweaty, cool, and pale skin. This occurs because the body's natural response to heat is to sweat in order to cool down. If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, they generally sweat profusely, which helps with thermoregulation, resulting in the skin feeling cool and being pale due to reduced blood flow to the surface.

In contrast, other symptoms like hot, dry skin typically indicate heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion. A high body temperature is also more characteristic of heat stroke, as heat exhaustion often presents without a significant increase in body temperature. A strong pulse can occur, but in cases of heat exhaustion, the pulse is often weak or rapid due to dehydration and stress on the body. Thus, the correct association of cool, pale skin with heat exhaustion is significant in identifying the condition and differentiating it from more severe heat-related illnesses.