Heat cramps—painful muscle contractions typically affecting the calf or abdominal muscles—are caused by the loss of fluid and minerals as a result of intense exercise or working in warm or even moderate ambient temperatures.
Heat exhaustion, the most common overheating condition that leads to dehydration, is caused by exercising or working in hot conditions. Heat exhaustion is common among athletes, firefighters, construction workers, industrial workers and other categories of people who wear heavy protective clothing in hot, humid conditions. In this case, fluid loss during sweating is not adequately replenished. This leads to a decrease in circulating blood volume. Blood flow to vital organs is reduced as the body tries to rid itself of excess heat by increasing blood flow to the skin.
Heatstroke, a less common but significantly more dangerous emergency, occurs when the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion go unaddressed. The development of heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to provide cooling to the body and gradually begins to malfunction. The process of sweating stops due to low fluid content in the body cells. As a result, thermoregulation is disrupted, leading to a sharp increase in body temperature. Eventually, it rises to a level where the brain and other vital organs cannot function normally.
Signs and symptoms of heat cramps
• Strong muscle contractions usually involve the muscles of the legs and abdomen.
• Normal body temperature.
• Moist skin.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion
•Normal or slightly elevated body temperature.
•Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin.
• Headache. Nausea.
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Exhausted state.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke
High body temperature, sometimes reaching 41°C.
•Hot, dry skin turns red, which is especially noticeable in older people.
•Irritability.
•Progressive loss of consciousness.
•Accelerated weak pulse, turning into arrhythmia.
•Accelerated shallow breathing.
• Without prompt assistance, the victim dies.