Memorial Kayseri Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Specialist. Dr. Ufuk Ertural gave information about the precautions to be taken against heat stroke in children.
The condition known as sunstroke or heatstroke in young children and infants is effective in July and August, starting at the end of June. Children and babies, who often do not realize the effects of heat, can feel heat and humidity faster and more severely than adults when exposed to high temperatures. In infants and children, sweating occurs as the body temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius, and the inability to replace lost fluid can lead to serious health problems. Some practical precautions should be taken to prevent children from being affected by extreme heat during the summer months. Memorial Kayseri Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Specialist. Dr. Ufuk Ertural gave information about the precautions to be taken against heat stroke in children.
Heat exhaustion is the precursor of heat stroke
Heatstroke in children and babies is a serious medical condition. Before the symptoms of heatstroke appear, children often have milder symptoms such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. In children, this is usually caused by excessive fluid loss and sweating after playing for long periods of time. Salt and fluid loss due to sweating causes heat exhaustion. The incidence of heat exhaustion is high in children who are overweight, on medication, have sunburn and chronic diseases.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion in children are as follows:
“High body temperature, usually between 37 and 40 degrees, cool and moist skin despite extreme heat, goose bumps, fainting, dizziness or exhaustion, headache, excessive sweating, increased thirst, irritability and restlessness, muscle cramps.”
If heat exhaustion is not intervened, the event turns into heat stroke. If the symptoms of heat exhaustion in children have started, the following should be done;
“It should be taken to a cool and shady place or preferably to an air-conditioned environment that does not work at high settings, salt-containing and not very cold drinks should be given slowly, wet towels or sponges should be applied to the skin, if painful muscle cramps in the legs, arms or abdomen have started, massage should be done, if fluid intake problems have started, the child should be transported to a health institution immediately.”
Symptoms of heat stroke in children
Heatstroke is a serious problem that occurs when your body produces too much heat for it to tolerate. If left untreated, this can lead to brain damage or death. Babies and young children may not be able to tell when they are unwell, so look out for unusual behavior or worrying symptoms. Babies diagnosed with sunstroke usually have a high fever, hot or dry skin and lack of sweating.
The symptoms of heatstroke in children are as follows;
“Dangerously high body temperature (above 40 degrees Celsius) No sweating. Confusion, disorientation. Redness and dryness of the skin (skin may also be wet) Loss of consciousness. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Rapid heartbeat and frequent breathing. Severe headache and seizures.”
If your child is outside or in a hot environment and shows signs of heat stroke, it is vital that he/she is immediately referred to a health institution.
Before the health teams arrive at the scene; the child should be brought to a shady environment and the clothes on the child should be removed. The child should be immersed in a bathtub filled with warm water to cool the body quickly. If there is no bathtub, a wet towel should be placed on most of the body and the towel should be renewed every 15 seconds. If the child loses consciousness, giving fluids should be avoided.
How can heat stroke be prevented?
Parents can take simple precautions to protect their children from heat stroke. They can take their children out early in the morning and late in the evening. At noon, when the sun is at its highest, children should not be taken outside unless they have to. Sometimes even hats and sunscreen do not prevent the effects of the heat. If you go out at noon, you should take a rest or water break. Shaded areas should be preferred as much as possible. Light colored and breathable cotton clothes that remove moisture should be preferred. Children should be given water frequently.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240729AW256400