Heat Stroke

Articles

Jul 1

The hot summer months are even hotter in some areas of the US this year, particularly in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Kids can easily be affected by the heat in a negative way and suffer heat stroke simply by doing what they normally would do, like playing outside with friends. It is so important that during these heat waves, parents are diligent in their efforts to keep their children safe. Because our bodies are not used to this kind of excessive heat, it is necessary that we approach things a bit differently than we do in other seasons of the year.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a condition that is characterized by the body creating much more heat than it is able to release from the body. Usually this is due to the environment being much too hot for comfort, sometimes while also exerting the body physically. The body temperature can increase to a very dangerous level which can cause brain or organ damage and can be fatal if it is not reversed.

Sometimes before heat stoke occurs, heat exhaustion is present first. This form of illness due to high temperatures will be less severe than heat stroke in most cases, however it is a dangerous indication that heat stroke may occur soon after.

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

A clear indication that someone is suffering from heat stroke is their internal body temperature. Usually a person’s temperature will reach over 100 degrees and up to 104 degrees when they are experiencing heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is typically characterize by extreme fever over 104 degrees. Other symptoms that indicate heat stroke are disorientation or confused speech, nausea or vomiting, passing out, intense headache, dizziness, heightened rate of breathing or heartbeat, flushed face and skin, and an absence of sweat in hot climate conditions. The initial warning signs of heat exhaustion might be a child getting goosebumps in a hot climate, getting muscle cramps, or increased thirst and sweating.

If a child is playing outdoors for any length of time, it is important to be aware of these signs, as heat stroke is preventable if addressed quickly. If any of the warning signs associated with heat exhaustion occur, that is an indication that medical attention will be necessary to treat heat stroke as it likely to progress without any intervention. If any of the signs of heat stroke are present in your child, they require medical attention immediately to prevent damage throughout their body and reverse the effects.

Reacting to Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

Once any symptom of heat stroke or heat exhaustion exists, there are actions to take to help the situation from becoming worse. One rather obvious action to take is to get out of the sun and into the shade or a cool indoor space. Clothes can create a barrier to keep in heat, so removing excess clothing may help. Sipping cool water or being spritzed with lukewarm water can help. A child may get some relief by lying down and elevating their feet as well.

Preventing Heat Stroke

The smartest way to address the heat during the summer months is to do everything you can to prevent heat stroke in children. It is important that parents are not only paying close attention for the signals that indicate heat exhaustion, but they also should help their child understand how to be attentive to their health in the heat. Kids can understand that hot weather means they needs to drink more liquids in general. Let them pick their favorite water bottle to carry with them. They can add stickers or accessories to help them take ownership of it and keep it with them. It is important to emphasize that kids need to drink liquids in hot weather even if they are not thirsty at the moment.

Clothing that is most appropriate for elevated outdoor temperatures are things like loose-fitting, lightweight clothing which breathes. Color actually makes a difference as well. Lighter colors will do a better job to keep your child cool in the sunlight as it will reflect the light as opposed to dark colors which absorb the light. One great habit to start is to point out and make note of the shady and covered areas which could serve as a spot to take a break. Once children begin to carry that habit, they are taking one more step toward safety in high heat climates. Although it may not be a popular option to take for some families, avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest time of day is a smart action to take. Communication is key, and kids can learn how to recognize when they begin to feel overheated and take action themselves by returning indoors.

Dehydration

One major concern related to heat stroke is dehydration. An aspect that is sometimes not considered is that dehydration happens over time. The cumulative nature of hydration means that if your child does not drink enough water one day but does the next, they still need to make up the difference in hydration. Dehydration can begin gradually and can suddenly become a larger problem in extreme heat environments. Smart planning can help your child prevent becoming dehydrated. For instance, if they are planning to play a game of soccer outdoors midweek, ensure they are properly hydrated for the week ahead of the game. The heat can also come to a shock if they are not spending time outdoors, then suddenly spending long hours in the sun. Try to help your child slowly acclimate to the heat and the summer sun by gradually spending more time outdoors as the summer months approach.

Looking for more resources about summer safety habits? Read some of our topics in our resources section. We also feature many great ideas for safe summer activities you can do indoors to help promote development and play for your child.