With summer just around the corner temperatures are warming up all around us. Children are much more prone to heat related illnesses because they have more body surface area per pound of weight than adults. It is always helpful to know what early warning signs to watch for but the major one is dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Thirst
- Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Irritability
- Feeling Overly Hot
If you child begins complaining of thirst, feeling hot or becomes irritable in the heat, they may have early dehydration. First you should make sure your child drinks plenty of cool fluids. Remove your child from the sun and into a cool, comfortable place.
These symptoms can never be ignored, more serious heat illnesses can occur, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, putting your child at great risk.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Anyone with heat exhaustion requires immediate attention. Some of the common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, profuse sweating, muscle aches, excessive thirst, cramps, agitation or irritability, and sometimes even unconsciousness. In some cases, heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke which requires emergency medical treatment.
What am I supposed to do if my child has heat exhaustion?
Bring your child into a cool shaded place and have them begin to drink plenty of fluids. These fluids should be taken in slowly in the beginning to prevent vomiting. You should prevent your child from playing again that day. If your child becomes unconscious or confused, has a seizure, trouble breathing, vomiting, or loose stools you should seek medical attention immediately.
What is a heat stroke?
Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention as it is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a heat stroke include high body temperature (104-105 degrees Farenheit or higher); nausea and comiting; possible seizures; disorientation or severe confusion; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; unconsciousness; coma; shortness of breath; decreased urination; or blood in urine or stool. It is possible for heat stroke to occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion.
What do I do if my child has heat stroke symptoms?
Immediately get your child to the emergency room or call an ambulance. Begin cooling your child's body while awaiting treatment by removing clothing and places ice bags on the neck, in the armpits, and the groin areas. Fan the child and spray with cool water. If your child is alert and able to swallow begin slowly giving cool liquids.
Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.
