HEAT CRAMPS & EXHAUSTION

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are defined as brief, severe cramps in the muscles of the leg, arm or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. Heat cramps are often experienced by children partaking in sports or other vigorous activities in the heat.

While these cramps can be painful, they are not serious, and most do not require special treatment.

Care
A cool place, rest and plenty of drinks should ease a child's discomfort. Massaging cramped muscles may also help.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a more severe heat illness that can occur when a person is in a hot climate or environment and has not been drinking enough fluids.
People in poorly ventilated environments are extremely vulnerable, so "never, absolutely never" leave a child in a hot car with the windows closed or even partially open or in an enclosed room without windows or air-conditioning.

When to Worry
You should seek medical assistance if the child:

• suddenly stops sweating
• appears cool, clammy or pale
• appears confused
• "changes her state of consciousness" in any way, i.e., faints or complains of light-headedness
• urinates less frequently (most common in younger children)
• appears fatigued
• complains of weakness or a headache
• experiences nausea and/or vomiting
• suffers from hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
• is noticeably irritable or uncomfortable

Treatment
If a child shows signs of heat exhaustion, take the following steps:

Bring your child indoors or into the shade. Apply cool, damp cloths to his/her forehead and the back of her neck to help her body cool down.

• Loosen or remove clothing.
• Encourage him/her to take a little food (like grapes or applesauce) and to drink water. If she doesn't want to eat, don't force her, but do encourage her to drink sips of not-too-cold water.
• Give him/her a bath in cool to tepid-not cold-water, and call the doctor for further advice.

If your child is too exhausted or ill to eat or drink, intravenous fluids may be necessary, so either take her to your family physician or local emergency room for treatment.

Always consult with your GP