What are the conditions categorized under heat-related illnesses?

The correct choice identifies the key conditions associated with heat-related illnesses. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all manifestations of the body’s inadequate response to excessive heat.

Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions that often occur after intense physical activity in high temperatures, indicating an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of fluids and salts through sweating, leading to symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke is a critical condition that arises when the body's temperature regulation fails, resulting in a dangerous elevation in body temperature, confusion, or loss of consciousness. This sequence from cramps to exhaustion to stroke illustrates the escalating severity of heat-related illnesses.

In contrast, the other options include conditions that do not fall within the spectrum of heat-related illnesses. Common colds and dehydration do not specifically pertain to the body's response to heat. Hypothermia arises from prolonged exposure to cold rather than heat. Frostbite, like hypothermia, is also related to cold exposure and not heat exposure. Sunburn, while related to sun exposure, is more a skin condition than a direct heat-related illness. Understanding the differences among these conditions helps to clarify the diagnostic criteria for heat-related issues in medical and first responder