What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs, arms and abdomen, caused by loss of fluids and electrolytes as a result of sweating. These cramps are possibly more common in hot and humid conditions, but they are not directly related to a rise in body temperature.
What do I do if a person has heat cramps?
- Stop activity and have the person rest.
- Have them sip an electrolyte/carbohydrate drink such as a commercial sports drink, coconut water or milk. If not available, they may drink water.
- Lightly stretch the muscle and gently massage the area.
- Have them resume activity once the cramps stop and there are no other signs and symptoms.
- Encourage them to keep drinking plenty of fluids.
- Continue to monitor for additional signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
I’ve heard that I should give salt tablets to a person who is having heat cramps. Is this true?
No, this is a myth. Salt tablets are not an effective treatment for heat cramps. Consuming a concentrated form of salt can promote loss of fluid from the body, which will make the person’s condition worse, not better.
Are they any conditions that increase the risk of heat exhaustion?
Yes. The first is not getting enough fluids. Heat exhaustion occurs when fluids lost through sweating are not replaced. The body’s primary mechanism of cooling itself is through sweating. As sweat evaporates from the body, it takes body heat with it, cooling the body. If a person does not take in enough fluids, the body does not have what it needs to make adequate amounts of sweat. Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration.
Also, humid environments and environments without good air circulation can make it difficult for the sweat to evaporate. Under these conditions, a person may develop heat exhaustion.
What environmental temperature is most likely to cause a heat-related illness? Are there other risk factors besides temperature?
Environmental temperatures that are greater than 100° F (38° C) increase risk. However, if someone is unaccustomed to labor or exercise in the heat, they can develop a heat-related illness at lower environmental temperatures. Other factors, such as humid air, inadequate fluid intake, heavy clothing and personal characteristics (e.g., the presence of certain medical conditions, taking certain medications and the person’s age, especially older adults and young children and infants) can increase the risk for heat-related illness.
FAQs
General Care: Heat Exhaustion
- Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air.
- Loosen and/or remove clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or spray with cool water.
- Fan the person.
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and can't cool itself down. It usually results from physical activity in hot weather. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion and nausea. They usually improve by drinking water and resting in a cool place.
What is the first line treatment for heat exhaustion? ›
If you suspect heat exhaustion, take these steps immediately: Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place. Lay the person down and raise the legs and feet slightly. Remove tight or heavy clothing.
How do you treat a person suffering from heat exhaustion? ›
Treatment
- Rest in a cool place. Getting into an air-conditioned building is best. ...
- Drink cool fluids. Stick to water or sports drinks. ...
- Try cooling measures. If possible, take a cool shower, soak in a cool bath or put towels soaked in cool water on your skin. ...
- Loosen clothing.
Rapid Cooling: The primary goal of treating heat stroke is quickly lowering body temperature. The ER staff will initiate cooling measures, such as ice packs or cold water immersion, to reduce the core body temperature.
What helps heat exhaustion fast? ›
Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks. Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.
Is it okay to sleep if you have heat exhaustion? ›
“[With heat exhaustion], a high environmental temperature will make the body dehydrate easily.” While research shows dehydration is also associated with shorter sleep time and sleep deprivation (as well as more exhaustion), sleeping through a heat wave without extra hydration can further dry you out.
How many days does heat exhaustion last? ›
Prognosis/Possible Complications. If you avoid heat stroke, recovering from heat exhaustion usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the severity of heat exhaustion, you may be hospitalized so doctors can monitor your fluid and electrolyte levels to avoid complications.
What are the four stages of heat exhaustion? ›
The four main types of heat illness, in order from mildest to most severe, include:
- Heat rash. This is a group of tiny, itchy bumps on your skin that develop when sweat gets trapped beneath your skin. ...
- Heat cramps (also called exercise-associated muscle cramps). ...
- Heat exhaustion. ...
- Heat stroke.
A doctor will treat heat exhaustion with one or two liters of intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes. If fluids and rest do not resolve symptoms, a doctor will perform a blood work-up and other clinical tests to rule out other potential causes.
First and foremost, look for food high in water content to stave off dehydration. Foods high in potassium, electrolytes, and, in many cases, a little sugar and simple carbohydrates will also help jump start your system back to life.
What deficiency causes heat intolerance? ›
It can be caused by factors like hormonal imbalances, medication, and certain health conditions. Magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 supplements can help manage symptoms of heat intolerance by supporting body temperature regulation and addressing nutrient deficiencies.
How do you treat heat exhaustion Red Cross? ›
What to do:
- Move to a cool place.
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning, or a cool bath.
- Sip water slowly.
- Get medical help right away if: Vomiting occurs. Symptoms last longer than 1 hour or get worse. Confusion develops.
Symptoms include pale skin, profuse sweating and nausea. Dizziness, fainting, or weakness can also be signs. Can have a mild fever 100 - 102° F (37.8 - 39° C) for a short time. Most of the time, there is no fever.
How to beat the heat in American Red Cross? ›
Take cool showers or baths, wet your skin using a damp cloth or spray, or soak your cotton clothing in water to help cool down. Check on your neighbors who may need help to stay cool. Never leave children, adults, or pets in a vehicle unattended. Stay informed of excessive heat watches and warnings in your area.
How to treat heat cramps in Red Cross? ›
If someone is suffering from heat cramps, move the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch and gently massage the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
What is the immediate priority care for heatstroke? ›
Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
What is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion Red Cross? ›
Heat stroke usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature.
