Heat cramps : First aid-Conditions-Prevention
What is Heat cramps: First aid?
Heat cramps are a type of muscle cramp that can occur after intense physical activity in hot weather. They are often caused by an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, specifically sodium and potassium. Heat cramps typically present as painful, involuntary muscle contractions, usually in the legs or abdomen. While heat cramps are not usually a serious condition, they can be a sign of more severe heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that usually happen during heavy exercise in hot environments. They can be more intense and prolonged than typical nighttime leg cramps. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps.
Exercise can sometimes cause muscle pain in different parts of your body.
Signs and Symptoms
Heat cramps frequently gift as muscle cramps (eg, within the legs, fingers, stomach, or again), heavy perspiration, and weak spot/lightheadedness. The cramps are frequently greater painful and final longer than the sort of leg cramps that occur at some point of the night time.
You can differentiate the least-intense form of heat infection, warmness cramps, from extra-extreme forms via comparing the person’s signs and symptoms defined above to the subsequent:
Heat exhaustion – Feelings of nausea, light-headedness, or thirst, and the character may act irrationally, have dilated students (scholars are large than regular), be very sweaty, or have cool and moist pores and skin that is either reddened or light.
Heatstroke includes some or all of the following signs:
A high body temperature (above 102° F)
Skin that is pink and hot with lack of sweating (sweating that has stopped)
Small pupils
A fast, vulnerable pulse
Rapid, shallow respiration
Extreme confusion or irritability
Weakness
Unconsciousness
If you suspect heat cramps
Rest briefly and cool down
Stay hydrated by drinking clear juice or a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
Stretching and massaging the affected muscle group gently will help to relieve the pain.
If you experience heat cramps, rest for a few hours and then resume strenuous activity.
If your cramps don't go away within an hour or so, call your doctor.
