Heat Overdose: Symptoms, Risks, and What to Do When Your Body Overheats

When your body can’t cool itself down, you’re at risk of heat overdose, a dangerous rise in core body temperature that can lead to organ failure. Also known as hyperthermia, it’s not just feeling sweaty—it’s when your internal thermostat breaks down and your temperature climbs past 104°F (40°C). This isn’t a myth or something that only happens to athletes. It can hit anyone—elderly people in poorly ventilated homes, kids left in cars, workers under the sun, even fit people pushing too hard in hot weather.

Heat exhaustion, a milder but serious precursor to heat overdose, often shows up first: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps. But if you ignore it and keep going, your body stops sweating. Your skin turns dry and hot. Your heart races. You may confuse, lose consciousness, or have seizures. That’s when heat stroke kicks in—and it’s a medical emergency. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke doesn’t wait for you to rest. It can kill in under an hour if untreated. Many people don’t realize that dehydration, not just heat exposure, is a major trigger. When you’re low on fluids, your body can’t sweat effectively. Medications like diuretics, antihistamines, or even some blood pressure drugs can make this worse. Even mild dehydration from skipping water all day can push you over the edge in high heat.

What you see as "just being tired" might be your body screaming for help. Older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions are at higher risk. But even healthy adults can get caught off guard—especially during sudden heatwaves or while wearing heavy gear. The key is recognizing the early signs before it becomes life-threatening. Drinking water isn’t enough if you’re losing electrolytes. Salt and minerals matter too. And cooling down isn’t just about shade—it’s about active cooling: wet cloths, ice packs on the neck and armpits, moving to air conditioning.

There’s no magic number for when heat becomes dangerous. It depends on humidity, duration, activity level, and your health. But one rule holds true: if you feel confused, stop. If your skin is hot and dry, call for help. If someone collapses in the heat, don’t wait. Act fast. Heat overdose doesn’t care if you’re strong, fit, or experienced. It only cares if you ignore the signs.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how medications, hydration, and daily habits affect your body’s ability to handle heat. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, taking drugs that interfere with temperature control, or just want to stay safe during summer, these posts give you the tools to avoid the worst-case scenario—and know exactly what to do when things go wrong.