With weather experts warning that this summer will continue to be a season of record-breaking temperatures and scathing heat domes, enjoying summer outdoor fun means being extra careful, especially for your kids.
As much fun as the warmth and sunshine offers, the human body can only take so much exposure before it overheats. Heat related illnesses can be very serious for all people, but your New Canaan Pediatrics providers know they present a very particular danger to young children and infants. When a heat advisory is released, parents should adjust plans to protect children from illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke.
The human body has a few defense mechanisms to prevent overheating. When we sweat, the moisture evaporates and cools the skin. When we get hot, our heart rate increases to circulate more blood toward the skin to dissipate heat. Unfortunately, when the air temperature gets into the 90s, those cooling mechanisms become significantly less effective. The longer we spend out in extreme heat, it becomes more and more difficult for our bodies to maintain the proper temperature, leading to heat related illnesses.
In children, the problem is compounded. Children sweat less, have less surface area relative to their body mass, and have less developed heat responses. While children’s bodies are less efficient at cooling down, they are also more likely to spend a lot of time out in the heat during the summer. Kids lack the experience and awareness to moderate their exertion in hot weather. They may not know when to take a break or when they’re beginning to overheat. This overheating can lead to three different levels of heat related illness.
Heat Cramps
As the body heats up, it begins to use up retained water to stay cool. As the body becomes increasingly dehydrated, heat cramps can occur. Heat cramps can tighten the muscles in the:
- Abdomen and rib cage
- Arms and hands
- Leg and feet
- Shoulders
When your child complains about aches or seems uncomfortable, it’s time to cool down and rehydrate.
Heat Exhaustion
As the body uses up water to combat heat, it also uses up or loses nutrients like sugar and salt that keep our bodily systems functioning. When these resources get depleted, the body can no longer keep the body cool. When the body stays hot for an extended period, a range of bodily functions can be impacted:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or faintness
- Heavy sweating
- Goose bumps and cool, damp skin
- Nausea and headache
If you see signs of heat exhaustion, get your child into a cool environment immediately and encourage electrolyte fluids. If your child doesn’t feel better within the hour, call New Canaan Pediatrics.
Heat Stroke
If heat exhaustion symptoms are ignored, it can lead to the most severe form of heat related illness, heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer maintain a healthy temperature. Dangerous stress on the heart, the gut, the kidneys, and the brain occurs.
Call 911 immediately if your child:
- Has a change in mental state, becoming confused, delirious, irritable or agitated
- Slurs their words
- Faints or has a seizure
- Has a temperature of 104˚ or more
- Skin is red or dry and hot, or sweating is excessive
- Has nausea or vomits
- Breathing is rapid and shallow
- Heart rate races
While you wait for emergency care, get your child inside to a cool, shaded location and remove clothing. Apply cool but not freezing water in a tub or shower and fan them. Exposing an overheated child to extreme cold can cause rapid blood vessel constriction with dangerous results. Professional medical intervention ensures your child cools down safely.
Prevent Heat Related Illnesses
Even with temperatures below 90 degrees, high humidity levels can make it difficult for your child’s body to cool down. To avoid heat related illnesses, pay attention to the weather, even if your children are engaging in water play. When outside, be sure your children stay hydrated, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, use sunscreen, and take regular cooling breaks in the shade or in the house. When heat advisories are posted, limit their time outdoors.
If you have questions about your child’s health indoors or out, message your New Canaan Pediatrics provider. We are always happy to help!