Healthy Kids     After School     Enrichment Guide    

Heat Related Illnesses



How to Keep Your Child Safe During the Hottest Weather

When it comes to heat related illnesses, which can become quite serious, prevention is the best medicine – and to make sure children drink enough fluids, as well as take breaks to rest in the shade (or wet themselves down). Note, we recommend water; sports drinks are generally not healthy and should only be used when water is not available. It’s always best to carry a supply of cool water. Read more on this topic in the article from the AAP’s Healthy Children website, below.

                        Marc Habert, MD

                        Pediatrician

                        The Children’s Medical Group

                               

Heat Cramps

Muscle pain or spasms may arise during strenuous activity, particularly in the abdomen, arms, or legs.  Children who perspire freely (depleting their bodies of fluids) may be affected more. 

What to do if you suspect heat cramps:

  • Take the child or teen into a cool place.  If there is no place indoors, even a shady tree may help.
  • Give them water to drink.
  • Gently massage the area that is painful or in spasm to help bring relief.
  • The child or teen should wait several hours before resuming physical activity, or the heat cramps may turn into heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • If the muscle cramping/spasm lasts more than an hour, seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s way of letting you know it’s lost an excessive amount of water and salt contained in sweat. Warning signs include: profuse perspiration (sweating); muscle cramps; fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea/vomiting; fainting; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

·         Use a thermometer to take their body temperature (preferably rectally). If the temperature is elevated to 103.1 degrees or higher, see the next section on “heatstroke.”

  • Use a thermometer to take their body temperature (preferably rectally).  If the temperature is elevated to 103.1 degrees or higher, see the next section on “heatstroke.”
  • Like with heat cramps: take the child or teen into a cool place, either indoors or outdoors; give them water (or a sports beverage, if water is not available) to drink; and gently massage any areas that are painful or in spasm.
  • Prepare a cool bath, shower, or sponge bath
If symptoms get worse, or continue after one hour, seek medical attention, as untreated heat exhaustion can progress into heat stroke. Severe symptoms warrant an immediate trip to the hospital emergency department.











Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition where the body’s thermostat, or temperature regulatory system, doesn’t work properly.  It’s not uncommon for body temperatures to soar to 105 degrees F or higher as fast as 10-15 minutes.  The child is also not able to sweat well enough, so the body heat is held in instead of released.

Symptoms of heatstroke include: oral temperatures of 103.1 degrees F or higher; red, hot, dry skin; nausea; dizziness; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; confusion; unconsciousness.

What to do:

·         Have someone call for emergency medical assistance while you begin to cool the child

·         Important: Do not give them anything to drink.  In their state, they could accidently inhale the liquid into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.

·         Move them inside, or to a shady outdoors area.

·         Remove as much of their clothing as possible. 

·         Aim a fan or air-conditioner at them.

·         Get cool water on their skin, either by immersing them in a bathtub or shower.  You can also give a sponge bath, spray them with a garden hose, or in low humidity wrap them in a cool, wet sheet.

·         Take their body temperature every five minutes, and continue trying to cool them until the thermometer reads 102 degrees F or less.

·         If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency department for further instructions.

·         Sometimes heatstroke victims begin to twitch uncontrollably or have a seizure.  If they do begin to have a seizure, make sure the child does not injure him/herself on any furniture nearby, and turn their head to the side to help keep their airways open (also do so if they are vomiting).

Source:  http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Heat-Related-Illnesses.aspx



Other articles by Children's Medical Group


  • 115 people die every day from opioid abuse

    Know the dangers, protect your teen

    Every day, approximately 115 people die from opioid overdose. Learn about the dangers of these commonly abused drugs and how you can help your teen. read more »
  • Growing up Gender Non-Conforming or Transgender

    Help your child develop their gender identity

    As a parent, your responsibility is to make sure you provide your children with the tools they need to grow into healthy, happy adults. Gender is a huge part of your child's identity. Help them express their true selves! read more »
  • Asthma, the flu, and your family

    Is your family prepared?

    We're in the peak of cold and flu season here in the Hudson Valley. Our friends at Children's Medical Group share insights on dealing with asthma, the flu, and more! read more »
  • The Power of Story Time

    Plus recommendations from the American Library Association

    While parent-child reading has been shown in some behavioral studies to improve oral language and print concepts, quantifiable effects on the brain have not been studied until recently. read more »
  • Improving your teen’s performance in school

    Strategies to help your teen succeed

    Helping your teenager’s performance in school can be a challenge! It involves considerable patience, oversight, and perseverance. Supporting your child’s physical and mental health so she or he can do their best at school is essential, and often paves their way for future successes in college or in the workplace. Here are some strategies to consider as you seek to help your teenager. read more »
  • Bedtime routines for your school-aged kids

    Changing schedules from summer to school are not always easy.

    With the summer coming to a close it may be hard for your kids to change their routine from summer fun to a school regimen. Here are some easy to use tips that will make the transition easier. read more »
  • Family-Friendly Flying

    Keep your family safe in the air

    Once you have a child, even the most routine travels become an adventure in parenting. While flying with your baby isn’t the easiest method, many young babies do travel well in flight. Here are some tips on keeping your family safe while flying. read more »
  • Winter Fun While Staying Safe

    Best ways to prevent accidents on ice or snow

    It's easy for kids to get hurt while sledding, skating or snowboarding. Check our some some easy to follow tips that will make having fun less painful. read more »
  • What do I do about my son's constant "summer colds"?

    Dr. Marc Habert of Children's Medical Group answers the question

    Q. My son seems to have one “summer cold” after another. I’m beginning to wonder if it could be an allergy. How do I tell the difference, and what can I do to help him get through the summer months? A. Allergies are by far the most common chronic diseases among children in the US. They are caus... read more »
  • I have heard that there is a measles outbreak in New York. Is measles really very serious?

    Measles was nearly eliminated from the US until a few recent outbreaks.  The vaccine has been so effective that most people have no idea just how serious and highly contagious this disease is.  Before the vaccine was developed, 400-500 people would die of measles in the US every year. ... read more »