Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This condition can result from a hot, dry climate; prolonged exposure to sun or high temperatures and associated excessive sweating; not drinking enough water; and alcohol, caffeine, or use of diuretics or other medications that increase urination.

In addition to thirst, dehydration can cause confusion, constipation, discomfort, drowsiness.

People who are not ill can maintain proper fluid balance by drinking several glasses of water before going outside on a hot day. It is also a good idea to avoid coffee and tea, which increase body temperature and water loss.

In warm, hot and or humid weather, motorcyclists encounter prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, and often experience restricted fluid intake due to infrequent stops. Hyperthermia is the general name given to heat-related illnesses, that include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke (also called sunstroke).

Keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same way. “Heat disorders are harmful to people of all ages, but their severity is likely to increase as people age. Heat cramps in a 16-year-old may be heat exhaustion in a 45-year-old and heat stroke in a 65-year-old. “

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by the excessive loss of salts (electrolytes), due to heavy perspiration.

Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to high heat and humidity for many hours, resulting in excessive loss of fluids and salts through heavy perspiration. The skin may appear cool, moist, and pale. The individual may complain of headache and nausea with a feeling of overall weakness and exhaustion. Dizziness, faintness, and mental confusion are often present, as is rapid and weak pulse. Breathing becomes fast and shallow. Fluid loss reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

Heat stroke is caused by overexposure to extreme heat, resulting in a breakdown in the body's heat regulating mechanisms. The body's temperature reaches a dangerous level, as high as 106°F (41.1°C). An individual with heat stroke has a body temperature higher than 104°F (40°C). Other symptoms include mental confusion with possible combativeness and bizarre behavior, staggering, and faintness.