heatstroke in children

As the weather gets hotter each day, you may have been bombarded with news about heat stroke once or twice every day. So, what even is this phenomenon? Since this blog is catered toward children, we’ll be specifically talking about heatstroke in children.  Heat stroke in children can be a very uncomfortable situation to be in for both the child and the parent since this condition is a result of extreme heat. This short blog will be your guide on how to best manage a nerve-wracking situation related to warm weather.

Causes of Heatstroke in Children

Like explained in the opening of the blog, heatstroke in children is mostly caused by staying in hot weather for longer than necessary, especially during heatwaves and other causes including:

• Engaging in extreme physical activities like sports or playing outdoors during peak of the sun
• Not hydrating enough to make up for the water lost through sweating can exacerbate the risk of heatstroke.
• Wearing dark colors is the worst clothing option in summers since such clothes absorb more heat, trapping it inside and preventing the body from cooling down the way it’s supposed to.
• You may have not heard of this before but respiratory issues or medical conditions like obesity can make children more prone to heat-related illnesses especially heat strokes.

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Symptoms of Heatstroke in Children

Heatstroke can mimic other disorders, such as syncope (fainting), making it essential to know its specific symptoms in order to distinguish among others. Some common symptoms of heatstroke in children include:

• Feeling agitated, confused, irritation or experiencing slurred speech, or even seizures
• High body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or above
• Feeling sick and actual vomiting.
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Quick, shallow breathing and a rapid pulse.
• A throbbing headache.
• Feeling faint or very weak.
• Loss of consciousness in severe cases.

Differentiating Heatstroke from Other Conditions

There are multiple ways to know how you can identify heat stroke specifically:

Difference between Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Take Heat exhaustion as a worst-case scenario since it typically includes heavy sweating, sudden weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin which can be extremely irritating for your child. Quickened or weak pulse, feeling nauseous or wanting to throw up, and fainting. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is characterized by all the symptoms given above.

Syncope (Fainting): Poor blood flow to the brain is the culprit in this case as it causes temporary loss of consciousness. This type of heat related issue occurs due to dehydration and heat but does not involve the symptoms often related to a heatstroke.

At-Home Care for Heatstroke

• Make sure to move the child out of the sun as soon as possible and bring them in a cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
• Offer them cool water or an electrolyte-rich drink to help the child rehydrate quick. Make sure to prevent giving them any caffeinated or sugary drinks in such a situation.
• Remove excess clothing and any items that may prevent the heat from leaving the body at all.
• Use cool (not cold) water to dampen the child’s skin. Apply wet clothes to their body or have them take a cool bath if possible.
• Stay close to the child to keep an eye out for any signs of improvement or worsening symptoms.

Prevention of Heatstroke in Children

1. Make frequent hydration a hard to get rid of habit, especially before, during, and after any physical activity.
2. Outdoor activities when the sun is at its peak can be a bad idea, so skip the noon and wait for cooler hours like early mornings or late afternoons.
3. No matter the occasion, always make sure your child is wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in cool colors that will help regulate their body temperature and prevent serious mishaps.
4. Sun protection first: Before heading outside, always apply sunscreen to your child’s skin.
5. Breaks are a must in the shade or indoors to cool off during any physical activities.
6. Teach your child to stop any activities when they feel overheated or light-headed.

When to Contact a doctor

Heat stroke isn’t something that often requires medical attention and can thankfully be treated just fine at home. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be aware of critical symptoms like when core body temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C), when the child expresses feeling confused, agitated, or appears to have slurred speech followed by persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or a racing heart despite cooling. Be a responsible parent and don’t wait for your child to lose consciousness before deciding to intervene.