Heat Stroke And Children: What Parents Should Know

Heat stroke is a severe medical condition that can affect anyone, including children. In 2022, 33 children in the United States died from heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body creates or absorbs more heat than it can release, causing a dangerous rise in core body temperature. This can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences, including brain damage and death. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke because they feel heat and humidity faster and more severely than adults and have a harder time cooling down. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in children and take preventive measures to keep them safe during hot weather.

Heat stroke symptoms in children

Heat stroke is a severe medical condition that requires immediate attention. It is caused when the body creates or absorbs more heat than it can release, resulting in a rapid increase in core body temperature. Children are particularly susceptible to heat stroke because their bodies heat up much faster than adults. They also struggle to regulate their body temperature as they don't sweat as much as adults.

• A body temperature that rises above 104°F (40°C)
• Confusion, disorientation, or unusual behaviour
• Flushed, hot, and dry skin (although the skin may be wet)
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Weakness and/or dizziness

If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Move them to a cooler place, preferably with air conditioning, and remove excess clothing. Begin rapid cooling by immersing them in a bathtub of cold water or applying cold towels. Do not give them fluids unless they are conscious and alert. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

How to prevent heat stroke in kids

Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that can be deadly if not promptly treated. Children are especially susceptible to heat stroke as they feel heat and humidity faster and more severely than adults. Here are some ways to prevent heat stroke in children:

Stay Indoors or in the Shade

During hot summer months, it is advisable to stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment. If you need to go out, try to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially when taking a rest or a break. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, usually between noon and 6 p.m. Instead, opt for early mornings or later in the evening when it is cooler.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure your child drinks plenty of cool water early and often. Before any outdoor activity, ensure your child is fully hydrated. During the activity, schedule frequent breaks for them to drink fluids, even if they don't feel thirsty. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an 88-pound (40-kilogram) child should drink 5 ounces of water every 20 minutes, while a 132-pound (60-kilogram) child needs 9 ounces every 20 minutes.

Appropriate Clothing

Choose clothing that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured. Light-coloured clothing reflects sunlight and heat better than dark colours. Moisture-wicking fabrics are also preferable as they absorb sweat and help keep the body cool. Avoid bundling up children in too many layers, as this can also lead to overheating.

Be Mindful of the Heat

Both parents and children need to be mindful of the heat. Children often don't recognize the effects of heat on their bodies, which can lead to heat-related illnesses. Educate your child about the dangers of heat stroke and the importance of staying cool, hydrated, and rested.

Be Aware of Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase a child's risk of heat stroke. These include being overweight or obese, taking certain medications, and having underlying health conditions. High humidity also poses a greater risk as it reduces the body's ability to cool down through sweating.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you suspect that a child is experiencing heat stroke, follow these steps:

• Call for emergency medical assistance: Dial 911 or your local emergency number. Do not delay, as heat stroke can lead to brain damage or even death if not treated promptly.
• Move the child to a cooler place: Bring the child indoors or into a shaded area, preferably in an air-conditioned building or near a fan. This will help lower their body temperature.
• Remove excess clothing: Take off any unnecessary clothing that could trap heat and restrict air circulation.
• Cool the child down: Apply cool, damp cloths, sponges, or fans to the child's neck, armpits, and groin areas. These areas have large blood vessels close to the skin's surface, which facilitates heat loss.
• Offer cool liquids: If the child is conscious and able to swallow, give them cool liquids to sip, preferably water or electrolyte drinks. Avoid pushing fluids if the child is unconscious or not alert.
• Begin rapid cooling if possible: If the child's condition does not improve, consider immersing them in a bathtub of cold water to lower their body temperature quickly.
• Seek medical attention for heat exhaustion: If the child's symptoms improve with cooling and rehydration, it is still important to seek medical attention to ensure they are properly monitored and treated.

Remember, heat stroke is a severe condition and requires immediate medical attention. Even if the child's symptoms improve with the above measures, it is crucial to seek professional medical help to ensure their health and safety.

Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both heat-related illnesses that can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, especially for children. It is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of these conditions to keep your child safe.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating. It can be treated by taking steps to cool down the body and rehydrate. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Dizziness
• Pale, cold, clammy skin

Heat stroke is a severe type of heat illness that occurs when the body creates more heat than it can release, resulting in a rapid increase in core body temperature. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• A body temperature that rises above 104˚ Fahrenheit
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Flushed, hot and dry skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Weakness and/or dizziness

If you suspect your child is suffering from heat exhaustion, you should move them to a cool, shaded place, encourage them to drink cool fluids, and apply cold wet towels or sponges to their skin. If your child is exhibiting signs of heat stroke, call emergency medical services immediately and begin rapid cooling by immersing them in a bathtub of cold water or applying cold towels.

Risk factors for heat stroke

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when the body's core temperature rises to greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and can lead to death if not treated promptly.

• Age: Infants, toddlers, and older children are all susceptible to heat stroke. Younger children are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults, as they have a larger surface area relative to their mass, causing them to absorb heat faster and lose heat more slowly. They may also be unable to communicate their thirst or discomfort.
• Environment: Spending time in hot or humid environments, such as outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, in parked cars, on public transportation, or in buildings without air conditioning, increases the risk of heat stroke.
• Clothing: Overdressing or bundling up too much can trap heat and restrict air circulation, making it difficult for the body to cool down. Wearing dark, heavy, or multiple layers of clothing can also contribute to overheating.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in intense physical activity or sports practices in hot weather can elevate the risk of heat stroke. This is especially true if the child is not acclimatized to the heat, is poorly hydrated, or is beyond their level of fitness.
• Hydration: Dehydration is a significant risk factor for heat stroke. Children may not be drinking enough liquids or may be losing fluids and salts through sweating during physical activity, leading to heat stroke.
• Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as obesity, recent illness (especially with vomiting or diarrhea), and the use of medications, antihistamines, or diuretics, can increase the risk of heat stroke.
• Acclimatization: Lack of acclimatization to hot weather can put children at a higher risk of heat stroke. It is recommended to gradually increase the time and intensity of outdoor activities to allow the body to adjust to the heat.

Frequently asked questions