How to Prevent Heat Stroke – What to look for on those sunny hot days

 

When we are enjoying the outdoors with our little ones we tend to be diligent about the sunscreen and hats but it’s important to remember how easily children can over heat if over dressed or just out playing in the sun. A fun afternoon play date in the park can quickly turn serious if your child gets heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Knowing the signs to look out for and taking preventative measures is  the key to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

how to prevent heat stroke in kids

First symptom of over heating, although not serious, is heat cramps they occur when the body starts to get dehydrated, losing salt and causing cramping. Try and find a shady, cool place for the child to rest and rehydrate. Apple juice is a good source of electrolytes for rehydration and what’s easier than throwing in a few juice boxes in your bag for your day at the beach.  To alleviate your little ones pain from cramping be sure to extend the muscle, stretching it out. For example a calf muscle cramp can be stretched by having the child sit on the ground and pushing their flexed foot toes towards their nose or standing on a log and letting their heel hang over the edge.

Heat Exhaustion is the next stage and slightly more serious and usually a result of the child not drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

Symptoms can include:

  • increased thirst
  • weakness
  • fainting
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • irritability
  • headache
  • increase sweating
  • cool, clammy skin
  • elevation of body temperature, but less than 40°C

Again take the child to a shady cool place and replace fluids. Take off any excess clothing and apply cool wet face cloths or run a cool bath to decrease their core body temperature.

 how to treat heat stroke in kids

If left untreated heat exhaustion can rapidly turn into heat stroke which is a medical emergency.   During an episode of heat stroke the body loses it ability to regulate it’s own temperature temporarily. When the body’s temperature rises above 40°C there is significant increased risk for brain damage and possibly death. If you suspect heat stroke in your child seek emergency medical help immediately and in the mean time get them into a cool bath as quickly as possible. The recommendation from my pediatrician is to only provide fluid replacement if the child is awake and alert.

Heat stroke symptoms can include:

  • severe headache
  • weakness, dizziness
  • confusion
  • nausea
  • rapid breathing and heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizure
  • no sweating
  • flushed, hot, dry skin
  • temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher

The most important thing to remember is to keep cool and hydrated. Pack; not only water, but juice or sports drinks as well for electrolyte replacement. Remember smaller children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion so be conscious of how long you are out in the sun and monitor their fluid intake throughout the day.

heat stroke treatment for kids

Teach kids to listen to their bodies and encourage them to take plenty of breaks in the shade. If you’re experiencing a heat wave in your area be aware and take children out earlier in the morning and later in the evening when the sun is not at it’s hottest.

 

8 thoughts on “How to Prevent Heat Stroke – What to look for on those sunny hot days”

  1. great reminders i know sometimes we get busy enjoying outside, I have had heatstroke and its horrible, I wouldnt want my daughter to suffer

  2. I’ve suffered from heat stroke twice myself so it’s good to be reminded of these and what to watch for in our kids. They don’t know what’s happening so its harder for them to communicate it! Thanks for sharing these symptoms and tips. 🙂

  3. Great reminder with the warmer weather (I hope!) coming in!! Kids are so difficult because they don’t know when to tell you they are hurting! Lots of water, time outs in the shade and occasional check ins are my way of controlling heat stroke!

  4. I love your point about teaching kids to listen to their body! So important! Looking forward to warmer weather and sunny days! Thanks for the tips!

  5. Little Bear is entirely adorable in these pics! <3 Thanks for the reminders and symptoms of what to look for hun! I'm really looking forward to bringing the nephew out to the park sometime soon, and the last thing I'd want for him is a heat stroke while we play! 🙂 Will remember to bring lots of fluids now, lol.

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