Symptoms of heat illnesses

Here are the symptoms and signs of heat illnesses from Dr. Donald Bucklin with US HealthWorks:

What are the three stages of heat illness?
Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat strokes

What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms -- usually in the abdomen, arms or legs -- that can occur with strenuous activity. Sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture, and the low salt level in the muscle causes painful cramps.

How to stop Heat Cramps:
Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
Drink a clear juice or sports beverage.
Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in one hour.

What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting and fainting. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.

How to Stop Heat Exhaustion:
Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
Rest.
Pat yourself with a wet cloth.
Get into an air-conditioned environment.
Wear lightweight clothing.

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Body temperatures can rise quickly, sometimes in 10-15 minutes, as high as 106 degrees. Death or permanent disability can occur if not treated immediately. Some warning signs include red and dry skin with no sweating, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness and nausea.

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance, while you begin cooling the victim:
* Get the victim to a shady area.
* Cool the victim rapidly, by things like immersing in a tub of cool water, placing him or her in cold shower, spraying with cool water or fanning vigorously.
* If emergency personnel are delayed, call an emergency room for further instructions.
* Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.