Preventing Heat Stroke in Kids
The warm weather brings all the kids outside! Between parks, pool, sporting events and bike rides, kids easily can become sunburned and overheated. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is important, but even more important is doing it while being safe!
A child doesn’t take long to go from sweaty to suffering from heat illnesses. Heat cramps are the first sign of overexposure to heat. Heat cramps themselves are not serious but are a serious warning sign. Heat cramps are simply muscle cramps that occur in the arms, legs or abdomen when the body is sweating and losing salt and fluids. Heat cramps usually go away with rest, shade or air-conditioning and fluids. Fluids that include sugar and salt, like sports drinks, are the fastest acting.
Heat exhaustion is a little more serious, and symptoms include increased thirst, weakness, fainting, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, cool/clammy skin and an increase in body temperature. If the previous treatments do not work, sometimes a visit to the doctor and some IV fluids are necessary.
If left untreated heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. The body becomes so overheated it can no longer regulate its temperature and oftentimes stops sweating. Body temperatures can increase to as much as 106 degrees, and calling for medical help is critical if your child is showing symptoms. These symptoms can include weakness, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, loss of consciousness and seizure. While waiting for assistance, move the child into shade or air-conditioning, sponge off with a cool, wet towel (not cold) and offer fluids only if the child is awake and acting normal (KidsHealth.org).
The solution is not to avoid being outdoors during the summer months. Instead, the opposite is important. Months of school and indoor activities can make for a fairly sedentary lifestyle for children. Then, when the weather turns warm and outdoor sports are at their peak, kids spend much more time being physically active in the heat. Instead, children should be as physically active as possible in a variety of temperatures. Doing so acclimates the body and enables it to better handle the elements (WebMD.com).
Other ways to prevent heat illnesses? Make sure everyone is drinking plenty of fluids every day to stay hydrated, avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, wear light-colored thin clothing to keep cool and take breaks in the shade as needed (SafeKids.org). Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke is possible. Focus on these basic safety tips while you and your kids enjoy summer fun.
Olathe mom Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.