Your Prescription Drug Destination
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Heat Cramps
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Heat cramps are usually provoked by hard work or exercise
during hot weather. The cramps are most severe in the muscles
that get the most use. Among those most likely to develop the
cramps are people who don't routinely exercise in hot weather,
older people, and small children, whose bodies cannot easily
adapt to high temperatures.
Causes
Heavy sweating causes the body to
lose salt and water, disrupting muscle activity.
Signs/Symptoms
The cramping pain may be
accompanied by hard knots in the muscles.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Drink plenty of sports drinks and similar beverages.
You can make your own by stirring 1/4 teaspoon of salt into
1 quart (about 4 glasses) of water. One glassful will
replace the water and salt you have lost from sweating. Do
NOT take salt tablets; they may upset your stomach and
cause you to throw up.
-
Drink until your urine looks light or pale yellow or
clear. If it is dark yellow, keep
drinking.
-
Rest in a cool place until you are feeling
better.
-
To keep from getting heat cramps
again:
-
Do not exercise heavily during the hottest part of
the day, especially in direct
sunlight.
-
Start exercising slowly, and gradually increase the
amount of exercise you do over several
weeks.
-
Drink liquids before and during exercise, or eat
foods containing salt.
-
Wear loose, lightweight clothes that keep sunlight
off of your body.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have been out in the heat and feel confused,
tired, and dizzy; have a headache or upset stomach; feel
like throwing up, and have cold, wet skin. These are signs
of heat exhaustion, a potentially dangerous
condition.
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