What is the recommended treatment for heat exhaustion?

The recommended treatment for heat exhaustion primarily includes rest and rehydration. This condition occurs when the body overheats and loses significant amounts of water and electrolytes through sweating. To effectively manage heat exhaustion, it is crucial to help the affected person cool down gradually and replenish lost fluids.

Rest is essential because it allows the body to recover from the exertion that led to overheating. Engaging in physical activity further can worsen the situation. Rehydration involves drinking water or an electrolyte-replenishing beverage to restore lost fluids and minerals, ensuring the body's temperature regulation mechanisms can function properly.

While other options like immediate cooling with ice might seem helpful in severe cases of heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, quick and extreme cooling can potentially cause shivering and other complications. The administration of electrolytes is a part of rehydration, but the emphasis should be on rehydrating over just administering electrolytes. Medical evaluation may be necessary if symptoms worsen or do not improve, but immediate steps focus on rest and proper hydration to aid recovery.