Which symptom is associated with heat cramps, a common heat-related condition?

Which symptom is associated with heat cramps, a common heat-related condition?

• A. Heat Stroke
• B. Muscle cramps in legs and abdomen
• C. Cool, moist skin
• D. Dry, red skin

Answer: (B)

Heat cramps happen when sweating has drained fluids and electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, during heat exposure or after strenuous activity. The hallmark symptom is painful muscle cramps in large muscle groups, most often the legs and abdomen. These cramps can occur during rest or after activity and are usually helped by stopping the activity, cooling down, and drinking fluids that replace electrolytes. This differentiates cramps from other heat illnesses: heat exhaustion features heavy sweating with cool, moist skin and dizziness, while heat stroke is a medical emergency with very high body temperature and possible confusion, and skin that may be dry or moist. So the symptom described—muscle cramps in the legs and abdomen—is the classic sign of heat cramps.

Heat cramps happen when sweating has drained fluids and electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, during heat exposure or after strenuous activity. The hallmark symptom is painful muscle cramps in large muscle groups, most often the legs and abdomen. These cramps can occur during rest or after activity and are usually helped by stopping the activity, cooling down, and drinking fluids that replace electrolytes. This differentiates cramps from other heat illnesses: heat exhaustion features heavy sweating with cool, moist skin and dizziness, while heat stroke is a medical emergency with very high body temperature and possible confusion, and skin that may be dry or moist. So the symptom described—muscle cramps in the legs and abdomen—is the classic sign of heat cramps.