Signs and Symptoms:
- Chest discomfort - usually in the centre of the chest, and may come and go.
- Uncomfortable chest pressure
- Chest squeezing
- Chest fullness
- Chest pain
- Pain down left arm
Hypothermia: When the body temperature drops below what is required for normal metabolism and bodily functions. When the body is exposed to cold its internal mechanisms may be unable to replenish the heat that is being lost to its surroundings.
Sports Examples:
- Swimming in temps under 11◦c
- Mountain Climbing
- Skiing
When a mountaineer is climbing tall mountains then they should make sure that they keep active and moving for as long as possible and wear warm clothing that will keep in as much heat as possible otherwise they will be at risk of hypothermia because there is less heat at high places.
Signs and symptoms:
- Low body temperature
- Abnormally low body temperature
- Drowsiness
- Slow heartbeat
- Slow breathing
- Shivering
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Purple toes
- Purple fingers
Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when more fluid is lost from the body than is taken in. This causes an imbalance in important minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which are required for muscle and nerve function. If there is a one per cent or greater loss in body weight because of fluid loss, dehydration occurs. This may be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the amount lost.
Sports Examples:
- Netball
- Basketball
- Cricket
Players in netball should make sure they rest between the game to regain stamina and to hydrate themselves. If a player is thirsty he/she must get a drink of water immediately to avoid dehydration
Signs and symptoms:
In mild to moderate dehydration symptoms include:
- Dry mouth, eyes and lips
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Decreased urine output
- Muscle weakness
When dehydration is more severe, a person may experience:
- Extreme thirst
- Very dry mouth and eyes
- Loss of elasticity in the skin, making it look shrivelled
- Passing small amounts of dark, concentrated urine
- Sunken eyes
- Lack of sweating
- Fast heartbeat
Viral Infections: Common viral infections in sports are the flu and the common cold.
Sports Examples:
- Athletics
- Football
- Swimming
Viral infections can occur in any sport. If a athlete is playing in cold conditions then he/she should wear warm clothing to avoid catching a flu they should also get a couple of days off so other people don’t catch it too. Drying hair after swimming can help prevent viral infections too.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms for the flu are
- Fever that comes on quickly (38-40C; 100-104F)
- Sweating and feeling feverish
-
General muscle and pains
- A feeling of general tiredness
- Dry, chesty cough
- Running or blocked nose
- Difficulty sleeping.
