“Hot fun in the summertime!” goes the classic ‘60s song by Sly & the Family Stone. To make sure the summer days stay fun, learn the signs of heat illnesses and know what to do when they happen.

by Lloyd N. Werk, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P.

While many of us complain about summer heat and mugginess, discomfort isn’t the only thing that soaring temperatures can cause. In some cases, heat can lead to serious medical issues. Here are some tips from KidsHealth.org, the world’s most visited pediatric healthcare website providing doctor-approved health information about children, to keep in mind as your family goes outdoors for summer fun.

Our bodies, which create internal heat, are normally cooled through sweating and radiating heat through our skin. Under certain circumstances, such as unusually high temperatures, high humidity, or vigorous exercise in hot weather, the natural cooling system may begin to fail, allowing internal heat to build up to dangerous levels. The result may be heat illness, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are brief, severe cramps in the muscles of the legs, arms or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. The sweating that occurs with exercise causes the body to lose salts and fluids, causing muscles to cramp. Children are susceptible to heat cramps when they haven't been drinking enough fluids.

Although painful, heat cramps aren't serious. A cool place, rest and fluids should ease a child's discomfort. Massaging cramped muscles may also help.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a more severe heat illness that can occur when someone in a hot climate or environment hasn't been drinking enough fluids. These are symptoms:

• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Clammy skin
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
• Irritability

If you suspect your child is experiencing heat exhaustion, take these steps:

• Bring your child indoors or into the shade.
• Loosen or remove your child's clothing.
• Encourage your child to eat and drink.
• Give your child a bath in cool (not cold) water.
• Call your doctor for further advice. If your child is too exhausted or ill to eat or drink, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion may escalate into heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. The body loses its ability to regulate its own temperature. Body temperature can soar, leading to brain damage or even death if it isn't quickly treated. Prompt medical treatment is required to bring the body temperature under control.

Factors that increase the risk for heatstroke include overdressing and extreme physical exertion in hot weather with inadequate fluid intake.

Call for emergency medical help if your child has been outside in the sun exercising for a long time and shows one or more of these symptoms of heatstroke:

• Flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating
• Temperature of 105° F (40.6° C) or higher
• Severe, throbbing headache
• Weakness, dizziness or confusion
• Sluggishness or fatigue
• Seizure
• Decreased responsiveness
• Loss of consciousness

While waiting for help:

• Get your child indoors or into the shade.
• Undress your child, and sponge or douse him or her with cool water.
• Do not give fluids.

Prevention

To help protect kids from heat illness, follow these guidelines:

• Teach children to always drink plenty of fluids before and during an activity in hot weather, even if they aren’t thirsty.
• Make sure children wear light-colored, loose clothing.
• Have children participate in heavy activity outdoors before noon and after 6 p.m. only.
• Teach kids to come inside whenever they feel overheated.

By following these tips and learning about heat illnesses, you can help your kids have a safe and healthy summer.

 

Dr. Lloyd N. Werk is the division chief of consultative pediatrics at the Nemours Children’s Clinic in Orlando, Florida. KidsHealth.org is a project of Nemours, one of the nation’s leading pediatric health systems.

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