Heat Illnesses

Muscle spasms that are the result of insufficient sodium and other electrolytes

•Treatment: Athlete needs to consume water/sports drinks/Electrolytes/sodium and lightly stretch

•Return to Play Considerations: Student-athlete may return if condition is minor/isolated.  

•Moderate heat illness, may experience dehydration, fatigue, cramping, fainting, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pale skin, and or loss of coordination. 

•Treatment: move to cool area, cool athlete down with ice towels, cold water immersion, consume liquids, Transport to ER if no improvement.

•Return to Play Considerations: Most likely not permitted to return within the current event. Consider modifications to the volume and intensity of the next practice.

•Severe heat illness, may experience core temperature is greater than 104 degrees F, altered consciousness, seizures, vomiting, headache, dizziness, poor mental activity, increase heart rate, low blood pressure, and or rapid breathing. 

•Treatment: Obtain and monitor core body temperature, cold water immersion, activate EAP, Monitor airway, breathing, and central nervous system function, and reduce body temperature below 102 before transporting. 

•Return to Play Considerations: Participation will be restricted by team physician. Modifications to the volume and intensity over an extended period will be delineated when appropriate.

Over-Hydration with inadequate sodium, fluids in lungs, may experience swelling of feet/hands, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, frequent urine, confusion and or vomiting

•Treatment: refer for bloodwork, consume salty food, electrolytes/sodium, consume sports drinks instead of water. 

•Return to play considerations: Team physician will determine appropriateness of return.