Heat Illnesses

Heat Cramps

• Cause – Fluid and electrolyte loss.
• Symptoms – Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments.
• Management – Rest and cool down, massage muscles.  Drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink.

Heat Exhaustion

• Cause – Excessive fluid loss leading to hypovolemic shock
• Symptoms – Headache, fatigue, gradual weakness, nausea, anxiety, excessive sweating, fainting, loss of consciousness
• Manifestations – Pale, grayish, clammy skin; weak, slow pulse; low blood pressure
• Management – Patient positioned flat or with the head down out of the sun; drink plenty of water, loosen and dampen clothing to lower body temperature.

Heatstroke

• Cause – Inadequacy or failure of heat loss mechanism leading to rise in core body temperature
• Symptoms – Headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness
• Manifestations – Hot, red, dry skin with little sweating, shallow breathing, rapid pulse, very high temperature > 104℉
• Management – Emergency and immediate cooling by wrapping or immersing in cold water (e.g., wet clothes/bandannas, immerse in stream, ice if available).  Call 911.  See: https://cvhikingclub.net/initiating-a-rescue-2/

Heatstroke is a genuine medical emergency; immediate cooling is required.

 

Compare
Heat Exhaustion	Heat Stroke
Possible irritability or confusion	Confusion, delirium, definite mental status changes
Moist clammy skin	Dry hot skin
Normal or subnormal body temperature	Very high body temperature

 

(AW- When is it Too Hot to Hike? and Hydration Basics)

(Source: Greater Outdoors California Day Hike Leader, rev. 1-2020)

The information provided on this CVHC page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.