Glossary

Acclimatized - Body having adjusted to the environmental climate.

Cramps - Sudden contraction of any muscle resulting in sharp pain.

Dehydration - The condition of excessive loss of fluids from the body, frequently caused by diarrhoea.

Delirium - Disordered state of mind.

Heat Cramps - Painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following strenuous activity. The skin is usually moist and cool and the pulse is normal or slightly raised. Body temperature is mostly normal. Heat cramps often are caused by a lack of salt in the body, but salt replacement should not be considered without advice from a physician.

Heat Exhaustion - A warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and sweating profusely. The body temperature is usually normal and the pulse is normal or raised. The skin is cold and clammy. Although heat exhaustion often is caused by the body's loss of water and salt, salt supplements should only be taken with advice from a doctor.

Heat Fatigue - A feeling of weakness brought on by high outdoor temperature. Symptoms include cool, moist skin and a weakened pulse. The person may feel faint.

Heat Stress - Occurs when a strain is placed on the body as a result of hot weather.

Heat Stroke - Can be life-threatening! Victims of heat stroke almost always die so immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin. A person with heat stroke has a body temperature above 104 deg.F. Other symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating, possible delirium or coma.

Heat Syncope - A sudden dizziness experienced after exercising in the heat. The skin appears pale and sweaty but is generally moist and cool. The pulse may be weakened, and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.

Published on Sep 26, 2014
Last Updated on Sep 26, 2014

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