Summer heat can be dangerous to children and cause them to get sick! Learn how to prevent heat illness and how to recognize signs and symptoms of heat injury in children.
When it’s hot, our bodies try to maintain a normal temperature by sweating. Sweat cools our bodies through a process called evaporative cooling. High humidity makes sweating less effective at cooling a hot body.
When exposed to hot temperatures and high humidity, we are at higher risk of dehydration from sweating and increased fluid losses. Exercising muscles create more heat than resting muscles so exercising in heat also puts you at increased risk for injury.
If body temperature rises as a result of excessive heat, heat illness can occur.
Three types of heat illnesses are:
- Heat Cramps – tightness and spasms in muscles, most commonly the calves, stomach or even hands. These will typically fully resolve with rest, good hydration and cooling down.
- Heat Exhaustion – mild fevers (temperatures less than 104F) and symptoms including pale skin, sweating, nausea and dizziness. Can be treated with rest and fluids but is more concerning if any fainting or significant weakness. Can proceed to heat stroke if not treated.
- Heatstroke – very hot, flushed skin, high body temperatures (even over 105F), often without sweating. This is a life threatening emergency and can cause confusion, coma and shock.
How can you combat heat illness?
- Avoid being outside, and exercising or exertion especially, during the hottest times of day from 10AM-2PM.
- Stay well hydrated! Drinking lots of water throughout the summer, and especially when outside during the heat, will help counteract increased water losses and dehydration.
- Dress lightly. Light colored clothing helps children stay cool and loose fitting clothing can help with cooling and ventilation.
- Babies and young children are especially at risk for heat injury, so they should be kept cool on hot summer days.
- Never leave your child unattended in the car, even with windows open. The heat index can rise to unsafe levels in a short amount of time.
Sources
healthychildren.org: Heat exposure and reactions
Does your child need a visit for an illness (heat-related or otherwise)? Use the Prime Time Fast Pass to request a visit: https://primetimepeds.com/fast-pass/