All of these heat illnesses may cause you to have a headache, feel tired, weak, dizzy and nauseous. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that may occur in the calf, abdomen and thigh. It is due to a loss of water and electrolytes. It many times occurs in people who are in good shape but who have overexerted themselves. Treatment for heat cramps includes rest in the shade, increase proper fluid intake, stretch and massage the area cramping and apply ice to the area to help break the muscle cramp.
Heat exhaustion is due to dehydration.
Poorly conditioned people are more susceptible to this form of heat illness. Some of the signs of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating, pale, clammy skin, extreme thirst and lightheadedness. Heat exhaustion is best treated by placing the person in a cool place, apply cool compresses and give the person proper fluids. It is the breakdown of the thermoregulatory mechanism in the body. Signs of heat stroke include hot, flushed skin, core body temperature of 104 degrees or greater and minimal sweating.