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HEAT CRAMPS <br /> Heat Cramps are muscle pains, usually in the lower extremities, the <br /> abdomen, or both, which occur secondary to profuse sweating with <br /> accompanying salt depletion. Heat Cramps most often afflict people in <br /> good physical condition, who overwork in conditions of high temperature <br /> and humidity. Untreated, Heat Cramps may progress to Heat Exhaustion. <br /> Treatment of Heat Cramps is aimed at eliminating the exposure and <br /> restoring the loss of salt and water. <br /> A. Signs and Symptoms <br /> 1. Cramps in the extremities and abdomen which come on <br /> suddenly during vigorous activity. Heat Cramps can <br /> be mild with only slight abdominal cramping and <br /> tingling in the extremities, but more commonly <br /> present intense and incapacitating pain in the <br /> abdomen and extremities. <br /> 2. Respiration rate will increase, decreasing after <br /> the pain subsides. <br /> 3. Pulse rate will increase. <br /> 9 . Skin will be pale and moist. <br /> 5. Body temperature will be normal . <br /> 6. Loss of consciousness, airway maintenance are <br /> seldom problems with this condition. <br /> 7. Generalized weakness will be noted as the pain subsides. <br /> B. Emergency Care <br /> Move the worker to a cool environment. Have him lie down if he feels <br /> faint. <br /> If the worker is not nauseated he may be given 1 or 2 glasses of an <br /> electrolyte solution. Have the worker drink slowly. The use of salt <br /> tablets is not recommended, as they may precipitate nausea. <br /> If the worker is nauseated avoid giving anything by mouth until the <br /> nausea subsides. <br /> Avoid massaging the cramping muscles. This rarely helps and may actually <br /> aggravate the pain. <br /> As the salt and water level is replenished, the worker's pain will <br /> subside. He may wish to return to work, however this is NOT recommended <br /> for a period of 12 hours. Further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion <br /> or heat stroke. <br /> 19 <br /> site safety s Health Plan Rev./1.0 <br /> October 20, 1997 <br />