Heat exhaustion and stomach cramps

During prolonged heat exposure, sweating removes water and electrolytes. Muscles may tighten or spasm, including muscles in the abdomen, while dehydration can add nausea, thirst, dark urine, weakness or dizziness. Cramps may also have another cause, such as a stomach illness, so the setting and accompanying symptoms matter. A cramp that is severe, localised, persistent or unrelated to heat should not automatically be attributed to heat exhaustion. Read about [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) and [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/).

Stop activity and move into shade or air conditioning. Sit or lie down, loosen clothing, and cool the skin with damp cloths or a fan. Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you are alert and not vomiting. Do not return to exercise while cramps, weakness or dizziness continue. [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) can signal that fluid loss is continuing.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, inability to drink or a very high body temperature. Arrange medical assessment if cramps do not improve with cooling and fluids, keep returning, or occur with blood in vomit or stool. Do not give drinks to someone who is not fully awake. [Dizziness](/symptoms/dizziness/) that persists after rest also needs evaluation.

Ask what may have triggered the cramps, whether an oral rehydration drink is appropriate, how to resume activity, and whether your medicines or medical history affect heat tolerance.