Heat Cramps
Epidemiology
- May occur in nonacclimatized laborers or in conditioned athletes
- External temperatures in these cases usually do not exceed body temperature
- May even occur with exercise in cold environments in untrained patients who are heavily clothed
Clinical
- Neuro: brief, intermittent excruciating cramps in exercising muscles (occurs predominantly in extremity muscles after strenuous exercise)
- Other: lack of hyperthermia/ normal-excessive seating
Treatment
- Rest in cool environment:
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement:
- Avoid salt tablets (gastric irritants)
References
