Keeping Cool When It’s Hot Outside
It’s definitely the middle summer when Heat Advisory warnings are popping up on weather apps and media outlets. High temperatures put kids at risk for heat-related illnesses, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
Athletes who participate in outdoor sports in the summer are particularly in danger of heat-related illnesses, and we have discussed this previously here.
Today, however, we are talking about heat-related illness in more general terms because it is something that can affect all children if they live in an area with a higher heat index.
Definitions of Heat-Related Illness
First things first, let’s define the levels of heat-related illnesses:
Heat cramps: the most common and earliest form of heat-related illness. Dehydration and salt loss through sweat leads to severe muscle pains and spasms not associated with an injury. Treated with rest, electrolyte solutions, and stretching.
Heat exhaustion: caused by significant loss of water and salt from the body. Individuals can have normal or raised body temperature. They will have pale, cool, clammy skin. Headaches, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness or fainting can be common. Treated by moving the child to a cool, shaded or indoor area, removing extra clothing. Apply cold compresses and towels, and rehydrate with electrolyte solutions. If not treated, this can lead to heat stroke.
Heat stroke: the most dangerous form of heat-related illness, this can lead to organ damage and death if not recognized and treated quickly. It is characterized by increased body temperature above 104F, altered consciousness, seizures, and confusion. This is a medical emergency, and 911 must be called immediately upon recognition. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, remove any restrictive clothing and cool the child through immersion in cold water or use of ice bags.
Strategies to help stay cool
- Stay inside during the hottest times of the day.
- Utilize water sources such as swimming pools and sprinklers.
- Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte solutions.
- Be careful in the car – NEVER leave a child in a hot car.
- Dress in light clothing – both in color and in fabrics.
When to seek help
Have your child evaluated by a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms in your child after intense heat exposures:
- Irritability or extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Fever not responding to medications
- Lack of urination for several hours
- Light-headedness or feeling faint
- Significant thirst
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fast breathing
- Muscle spasms
Final thoughts
Sometimes kids get so caught up in playing and having fun that they don’t realize how hot they are becoming. Sometimes they are in situations where they cannot control the environment around them and it affects their body temperature. It is up to parents to watch for signs of heat-related illness, and to treat quickly and appropriately.
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