Heat Cramps

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

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.