Heat stroke, exhaustion and cramps

Heat cramps are painful tightening of muscles, often during or after strenuous activity in heat. Heat exhaustion can bring heavy sweating, thirst, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Heat stroke is more severe: the person may become confused, faint, have a seizure, or struggle to stay awake. A muscle cramp alone does not establish heat stroke, and a person can develop heat stroke without cramps. Heat Exhaustion guidance can help with milder illness, but mental changes change the urgency.

Stop activity and move into shade or air conditioning. Loosen clothing, cool the skin with wet cloths and airflow, and rest. If the person is fully awake and able to swallow, offer small sips of a suitable drink. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused, vomiting, or drowsy. If cramps continue, weakness worsens, vomiting prevents drinking, or thinking becomes abnormal, call emergency services. Medical staff may give IV Fluid Therapy when oral fluids are not enough or not safe.

Call urgently for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Repeated vomiting, a severe headache, or a very hot body after exertion also calls for prompt assessment. Do not return to exercise simply because a cramp has eased. Recurrent symptoms deserve review, especially in someone taking medicines that affect sweating, blood pressure, or fluid balance.

Ask how to distinguish a recurrent cramp from a more serious heat illness, which drinks are suitable for your activities, and how long to rest before resuming exertion. Mention any vomiting, faintness, or confusion.