With temperatures on the rise, the possibility of heat-related illness is rapidly increasing. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in a hot environment can increase your risk of heat-related illness. Children under 4 and the elderly have the greatest risk of heat-related illness. There are three common conditions that can develop: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Rapid recognition of these conditions with some simple interventions can quickly correct a potentially dangerous situation.
Heat cramps are brief, intermittent and often severe muscular cramps that occur in muscles fatigued by heavy work or exercise. The primary cause is a loss of sodium through increased sweating. During times of high environmental temperatures between 34.5 and 38 degrees Celsius, one to three liters of water per hour can be lost through sweating. Along with the water lost by sweating, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are also excreted. It is recommended to drink a beverage that is enhanced with various electrolytes if you are working in an at-risk environment, such as the sport drinks Gatorade or Powerade.
The patient experiencing a heat cramps attack is usually alert, has a hot and sweaty skin, rapid heart rate and is experiencing cramping in various muscle groups. The calves and hamstring muscle are usually involved, but the victim may also experience abdominal cramping. To care for the patient with a heat cramp attack, do the following:
•Have the victim stop the activity;
•Remove the victim to a cool area out of the heat;
•Remove or loosen tight clothing;
• If the victim is responsive and not nauseated, provide water or a commercial sports drink.
Care for the victim can greatly reduce the potential for developing other more serious conditions. Remember to remain calm, and notify 997 if the patient’s condition worsens or if the patient does not respond to the above treatment. Prevention of heat cramps is the best approach to avoiding this condition. If you are working outside or in extreme heat, remember to drink plenty of fluids, keep your head covered, and be aware of any developing cramps in your muscles. Heat cramps is a condition and, if not corrected, can lead to a more severe situation called heat exhaustion.
