July 16, 2021 By Mary Ann Kuper Heat exhaustion and dehydration go hand in hand. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person works in a hot environment and the body cannot cool off adequately. Dehydration occurs with water loss from the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. Your body needs enough fluids to carry out normal functions. The severity of dehydration can depend on several factors, including climate, physical activity and diet. Sugary sweet soft drinks and caffeine make for the worst kind of hydrators. Determine how mild or severe the problem is to properly care for the individual.