What should you know about heat stroke and stomach cramps?

Heat, sweating, and exertion can reduce body fluid and affect the balance of salts that muscles use to contract and relax. This may cause painful cramps in the abdomen or other muscles, often with thirst, fatigue, headache, or dizziness. Cramps alone do not establish heat stroke, and stomach pain can have many causes. The concern rises when cramps occur with confusion, fainting, very hot skin, seizure, marked weakness, or repeated vomiting. Heat exhaustion is a related condition that can worsen if cooling and recovery are delayed.

Stop exertion and move to a cool place. Loosen clothing, rest, and cool the skin with wet cloths and airflow. If the person is fully alert and swallowing normally, offer small sips of a suitable drink; stop if nausea or choking occurs. Do not force fluids or give salt tablets. For suspected heat stroke, call emergency services and continue cooling. Clinicians may consider IV Fluid Therapy when oral hydration is unsafe or insufficient.

Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe overheating, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or severe or worsening abdominal pain. Prompt medical advice is appropriate when cramps continue after rest and cooling, urine becomes markedly reduced, or the person cannot drink safely. Tell clinicians what activity occurred and how much heat exposure preceded the symptoms.

Ask whether the cramps fit heat illness or another abdominal problem, how to replace fluids safely, whether medicines could worsen dehydration, and which activities or temperatures to avoid during recovery. Ask how to plan cooling breaks before returning to exertion.