Heat related illnesses in children

Heat related illnesses in children 

The dog days of summer are here. For many families, that means long days at the pool, the beach, or the playground. While summer offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, it also brings higher temperatures that can put children at risk for heat-related illnesses. July and August are typically the hottest months of the year, and children can overheat faster than adults. By learning the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, parents and guardians can help keep their children safe while they enjoy the summer sun. 
 

Causes of heat-related illnesses 

Spending long periods in hot, humid weather without enough water or opportunities to cool down can lead to heat-related illnesses in children. Children and adolescents are at greater risk because they generate more body heat and do not cool themselves as efficiently as adults, making it more difficult for them to adapt to high temperatures. They don’t sweat efficiently, and they ignore thirst signs when playing. 
 

Signs of heat exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness in children and can cause the following symptoms:   

• Elevated body temperature 
• Excessive sweating 
• Cool, pale, clammy skin 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Dizziness or weakness 
• Muscle or stomach cramps 
• Extreme thirst 

If a child develops these symptoms, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, remove excess clothing, encourage them to sip fluids (electrolyte-containing) slowly, and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Keep in mind that recovery from heat exhaustion can take 24 to 48 hours. 
 

Signs of heat stroke 

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency that requires treatment immediately. Signs of heat stroke in children include:  

• Hot, dry skin 
• Little or no sweating 
• Confusion or disorientation 
• Seizures 
• Severe headache 
• Rapid breathing and heart rate 
• Fainting or loss of consciousness 
• Fatigue or weakness 
• Body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher 

With heat stroke, a child’s skin may appear flushed, red, hot, and dry. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately or seek emergency care right away.  

While waiting for help to arrive, move the child to a cool, shaded area and remove excess clothing. Cool the body by applying cool water to the skin, placing cool, wet cloths on the body, or using ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin. Only if the child is awake and able to drink, offer small sips of electrolyte containing fluids. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages, and soda. 
 

Heat safety tips for children 

The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses is to take precautions before children head outdoors. Encourage them to drink water or sports drinks frequently throughout the day, even when they do not feel thirsty. Schedule outdoor play and sports during cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible and make sure children take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, or under a covered area like an umbrella. Dress them in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Never leave a child alone in a parked vehicle, as temperatures inside can rise rapidly and become dangerous within minutes. 
 

Heat and athletes 

If your child participates in a sport, it’s important to take extra precautions during hot weather. Each summer, I see young athletes diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition in which muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases proteins into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys and possibly lead to kidney failure.  Rhabdomyolysis is often triggered by extreme exercise in high temperatures, especially when athletes are not adequately hydrated.  

Common signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include: 

• Dark-colored urine 
• Muscle pain or tenderness, particularly in shoulders, thighs, and lower back 
• Muscle weakness 
• Fever, nausea, vomiting, or rapid heart rate 

If your child experiences any of these symptoms after exercising in the heat, seek medical care immediately.  
 

One last important tip 

If your children are attending summer camps, talk with them about the dangers of heat-related illnesses. Because you can’t always be there to monitor them, children should know the warning signs and tell an adult right away if they start to feel unwell in the heat.