Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can easily occur in children who either haven’t been drinking enough fluids or are active in a very hot climate — or especially both! It is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion so that you can take immediate steps to rehydrate and cool the child. Here is a list of symptoms of heat exhaustion. If your child is displaying one or more of these symptoms take immediate action to cool them down!
- dehydration
- fatigue
- weakness
- clammy skin
- headache
- nausea and/or vomiting
- hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- irritability
If your child is overheated and displaying these symptoms here is what you should do:
- Bring your child indoors into an air conditioned space. If an indoor area is not available then move them into the shade.
- Loosen or remove your child’s clothing to help them cool off quickly.
- Have your child eat a snack and drink a cool beverage.
- Give your child a bath in cool water. Don’t make the water too cold as it will be a shock to their system.
- If necessary, call your doctor. Children who are too tired or weak to eat or drink may need to receive intravenous (IV) fluids.
Heat exhaustion can usually be remedied by the steps above. It is important to treat heat exhaustion because if left untreated it can turn into heat stroke, which can be fatal in extreme cases.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially fatal medical emergency during which your body loses its ability to regulate its own temperature. Body temperature can rise quickly to 106° F (41.1° C) or higher. High temperatures like this can lead to brain damage or death if not quickly treated.
If you think your child is suffering from a heat stroke, call for emergency medical help right away. Here is a list of symptoms to look for:
- flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating
- temperature of 105° F (40.6° C) or higher
- severe, throbbing headache
- weakness, dizziness, or confusion
- sluggishness or fatigue
- seizure
- decreased responsiveness
- loss of consciousness
While waiting for help:
- Bring your child indoors into an air conditioned space. If an indoor area is not available then move them into the shade.
- Remove your child’s clothing to help them cool off quickly.
- Sponge them down with cool water.
- Do not give fluids.
Remember that both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions. Make sure your kids drink plenty of fluids during the hot summer months and are dressed in lightweight, breathable clothing to keep them cool. Most of all, use common sense and make sure your kids are not over-exerting themselves during the hottest parts of the day, and do not leave them in hot cars or houses where temperatures can become dangerously high.