Treatment for Heat Exhaustion and Heat Cramps

Heat Exhaustion Management

The American Heart Association recommends moving the person to a cool environment, removing excess clothing, limiting exertion, and providing cool fluids if the person can swallow for heat exhaustion treatment 1
Heat exhaustion is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, feeling faint, headache, fatigue, and heavy sweating 2, 3
Immediate treatment steps for heat exhaustion include moving the victim to a cool place 1, 3, removing as many clothes as possible 3, cooling the victim with cool water spray 3, and encouraging drinking cool fluids, preferably containing carbohydrates and electrolytes 1, 3
For exertional dehydration, a 4% to 9% carbohydrate-electrolyte drink is preferable over water alone 1

Heat cramps are painful involuntary muscle spasms that most often affect the calves, arms, abdominal muscles, and back, and treatment includes rest and cooling off 2, 3, drinking an electrolyte-carbohydrate mixture 3, stretching, icing, and massaging the painful muscles 3, and not resuming exercise until all symptoms have resolved 3

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children experiencing exertional heat illness should not return to activity for the remainder of the current session 4, and prompt rapid cooling for 10-15 minutes should be initiated for children with signs of severe heat stress 5
Hydration should be provided to children while awaiting medical assistance if they are alert enough to ingest fluid 5

The American Heart Association recommends adjusting exercise to environmental conditions, such as slowing down when temperature exceeds 70°F 6, drinking adequate fluids before, during, and after exercise 6, waiting at least 2 hours after eating before vigorous exercise 6, wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes made of porous material 6, and acclimatizing to heat gradually over 12-14 days 6

Emergency services should be activated immediately for heat stroke, which is characterized by altered mental status 1, or if the person collapses or exhibits moderate to severe central nervous system dysfunction 5
Symptoms worsening despite first aid measures is also a reason to seek emergency care 3