Heat-Related Illnesses

We received a Heat-related illnesses question in the Ask Soso column. The question is:

I sweat a lot and been working outside, I've been having bad cramps all over, like I'm dehydrated. Does this have anything to do with my diabetes?

Randy
Garden City ,Michigan, United States

Our Response
A number of issues can lead to cramps. Heat is one of them. It is very dangerous to work in the heat whilst dehydrated. It could even lead to brain damage or death.

I would have loved to get more information on your age, weight, heart disease, mental illness, and prescription drug and alcohol use. I expect you to be constantly exhausted from the heat exposure, especially if you are not taking enough fluids. Exhaustion goes with sweating, cramps, dizziness, nausea, paleness, headaches and even fainting.

When left untreated, these conditions can lead to stroke. Dress in lightweight clothing and get enough water and rest. Sweat takes some salts away from your body. If you lose a lot of salt and water, your body will need those. The strenuous activities and especially exposure to high temperatures also lead to heat cramps.

Make sure you get enough rest and enough fluids in your diet. If you are on a heart condition diet, you may be getting restricted sodium. Get professional help. You may need some medication. Try to get another job, which will limit your exposure to high temperatures.

Other heat-related illnesses include sunburn which also leads to fever, blisters and pain and heat rash.

Heat-related illnesses and skin care

Obesity

Sweat solutions

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