What Does Heat Exhaustion Feel Like in Louisiana?

The number of heat-related deaths and illnesses is still on the rise in Louisiana.

In 2023 The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) reported the total number of heat-related deaths to 25 for June, July, and August. According to Louisiana Records, a majority of the deaths were men.

22 of the 25 deaths were male, and the data shows that men are often overrepresented in heat deaths because they are more likely to work outdoors.

Do We Know What to Look Out For?

What signs is our body showing us that we are in severe danger? What is heat exhaustion? According to the CDC, heat exhaustion is "the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt".

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Adults According to the CDC?

The CDC listed these symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, and decreased urine output.

Heat Exhaustion Leads to Heat Stroke and Heat Stroke is the Most Severe Heat-Related Illness.

According to the CDC "Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment."

The Symptoms of Heat Stroke Include:

Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, very high body temperature.