Which condition is characterized by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive sweating?

The condition characterized by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive sweating is heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body loses a significant amount of water and salt through sweating, typically during hot weather or strenuous physical activity in high temperatures.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Unlike heat stroke, which is a more severe and life-threatening condition, heat exhaustion is often manageable with immediate care, such as moving to a cooler area and replenishing fluids. Recognizing heat exhaustion is crucial for preventing more severe heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke, which can follow if proper measures are not taken.

Heat cramps, on the other hand, involve painful muscle contractions and are typically a precursor to heat exhaustion. Dehydration is a state that can contribute to heat exhaustion but is not characterized by the symptoms described in the question. Therefore, the defining characteristics of prolonged exposure to heat and excessive sweating align with heat exhaustion specifically.