Heat stroke is making many children fall sick this summer. With record-breaking high temperatures forecasted in various parts of the country due to climate change, it’s of utmost importance to keep children safe. Parents, caregivers, or families of children must be mindful of children’s health when the summer heat is intensifying. So, here are some tips by the Top 10 Child Specialist in Delhi. These are general guidelines on how to protect children from heat stroke and other heat-exposure-related health issues on the hottest days of the summer.

 

Heat Stroke in Children

 

Heat stroke is a medical emergency where the body gets overheated and can’t cool down on its own. It is a life-threatening heat illness resulting from prolonged exposure to soaring temperatures. In a heat stroke, the child’s body fails to regulate its core temperature. The child’s body generates more heat than it is capable of releasing it.

 

Heat stroke often is seen in children who are overdressed in summer or perform vigorous physical activities in the sweltering summer without enough fluid intake. If neglected, heat stroke can damage the brain and even lead to death in severe cases.    

 

Signs of Heat Stroke in Children

 

To protect a child from heat stroke in summer, one needs to be aware of the condition in the first place. One needs to be watchful of the following signs and symptoms of heat stroke in kids:

 

• Core body temperature rising to 40 degrees Celsius or more

• A dry, flushed, hot skin; sometimes cool, grey skin

• Mental effects: Disorientation, unconsciousness, fainting, seizures, and confusion

• Extreme weakness or tiredness (like feeling drowsy, unusually sleepy, or having difficulty to arouse)

• Stomach-related issues: Diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting

• Rapid heartbeat

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath

• Severe headache

• No perspiration (in some cases)

• Fever

• Intense thirst

• Skin numbness or tingling sensation

• Muscle spasms or aches.

 

If any of the above-mentioned signs are developed by the child, the child should be promptly taken to a pediatrician.

 

Preventive Measures for Heat Stroke in Children

 

Here are some general tips on how to beat the heat and protect a child from heat stroke on hot summer days of the summer. The tips apply to children of any age group.

 

• Keep the child hydrated. All day long, the child needs to consume an adequate amount of water and enough refreshing fluids. So, keep water and hydrating fluids readily available, and do not let children drink more sugary, carbonated drinks. Ensure the child’s urine output is normal.

 

• Protect the skin and body of the child from direct sunlight exposure. Don’t let the child go outdoors for play or any activities in peak hours of the sun. Instead, let the child go out early morning, late afternoon, or early evening or indulge in indoor activities. When the child steps outside, ensure the child wears broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 above on uncovered body areas, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

 

• Dress the child comfortably with light clothing. Light coloured clothing absorbs less of sunlight’s heat than a dark color. Make the child wear only lightweight, breathable fabrics, preferably light-colored cotton cloth to stay comfortable.

 

• Allow the child to rest more. Heat exposure can be tiring, especially for active children. So, plan the summer routine of the child such that the child takes enough rest every day.

 

• Help the child cool down with water. Give the child a cool bath or keep spraying mist water on their face and body. Keep the child’s head cool using a wet, cool soft towel. Encourage the child to learn swimming.

 

• Keep the child’s surrounding environment cool. The best is leaving the child in an air-conditioned room inside the home. If there is no cooler or air conditioner, make sure the room is ventilated with a fan running. When outside, take the child to air-conditioned places.

 

• If the child is a young athlete, get the child acclaimed to the heat. Get the child used to the outdoor environment starting with light activities for a few minutes outdoors in the daytime. Train the child at times when the temperature is cooler.

 

• Never leave the child inside a car under the sun. Don’t leave the child unattended in a car with windows open or closed even for a short time, when it's too sunny.

 

The Takeaway

 

Heat stroke in children should not be dragged unattended or ignored. As children are at high risk of contracting heat strokes in summer, it’s crucial to follow safety actions. Don’t hesitate to call a pediatrician for guidance on preventing your little one from getting a heat stroke.

 

One of the Top Child Specialists in Delhi who can help you prevent and treat heat stroke in kids and adolescents is Dr. Promilla Butani. With over 40+ years of experience in child care, she can help parents to give their child the best care. Visit now for details.