Pediatrician Aysel Açıkgözoğlu said that especially children and babies under the age of 5 are at higher risk for sun (heat) stroke.
Stating that the extreme heat continues, because of this, parents should be both careful and know the correct first aid practices in a possible sunstroke, Uzm. Dr. Açıkgözoğlu said, “The first thing to do in a child with heat stroke is to lower the body temperature. However, we do not recommend the method of immersion in cold water for this, as it causes shivering and agitation.”
Infants and children in the risk group
While doctors constantly repeat their warnings not to go out in the sun and to be careful especially between 11.00-15.00 hours when the sun is at its steepest, Acıbadem Kent Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Aysel Açıkgözoğlu stated that there is an increase in cases of sunstroke. Reminding that heat stroke affects infants, children and the elderly, who are in the most vulnerable group, and those with chronic diseases when exposed to prolonged high temperatures or sun rays, Uzm. Dr. Açıkgözoğlu said:
“The sun strikes not only with its heat but also with its rays. It can cause serious health problems up to death. The heat causes excessive sweating, excessive sweating causes loss of fluid and salt, which leads to a drop in blood pressure. When exposed to direct sunlight, the negative effect of the rays is added to heat stroke. In this case, which we call sunstroke, ultraviolet rays can affect and disrupt the thermoregulation (body temperature regulation center) center in the brain. This center, which increases sweating and evaporation in the face of heat and ensures that the body temperature decreases, becomes unable to function whether it is a child or an adult and the body cannot be cooled. The picture we call sun (heat) stroke emerges. In this picture; body temperature rises, changes in sweating are observed. Dryness and redness occur on the skin, vomiting and nausea are observed. Pulse rate increases, weakness, headache, dizziness, drowsiness occur. Breathing changes. Confusion and fainting are other important symptoms. Every age group is more or less affected by the extreme heat that has been going on for a long time. However, especially children and infants under the age of 5 are more at risk of heat stroke. Parents should be careful about these symptoms and apply the right first aid when they see similar symptoms.”
First aid in heat stroke
“The first thing to be done in a child with heat stroke is to lower the body temperature,” said Uzm. Dr. Açıkgözoğlu made the following warnings and suggestions:
“We do not recommend cold showers to reduce the fever of a baby or child, as they cause shivering and agitation. First of all, the room temperature should be tried to be lowered with air conditioners and fans and the clothes of the baby and child should be removed. Warm water should be applied to the armpits, groin and forehead with warm water-soaked cloths and warm water should be sprayed. If the child is conscious and alert, he/she can drink water or salty buttermilk if available. An unconscious child should not be given fluids by mouth. If he/she is unconscious, he/she should be referred to the nearest health institution.”
On the other hand, Uzm. Dr. Açıkgözoğlu also reminded the precautions to be taken against sunstroke. Stating that the general rules against sunstroke are similar for adults, Açıkgözoğlu said the following:
“Babies and children can be allowed to sunbathe with bare skin before 10 am for vitamin D synthesis. It should not be forgotten that the hours between 11.00-16.00 are risky. When going outside, shady places should be preferred and hats should be used. Clothes should be cotton, thin and light colored. Adequate fluid consumption should be ensured, and warm showers should be provided as much as possible during the day. Heat stroke and heat-related deaths in young children can be prevented with the education of parents.”
Dr. Açıkgözoğlu reminded that it gets hot enough in closed cars in summer to pose a risk to life and said, “The risk of leaving young children alone in a closed car should be known. Even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade, it is not safe to leave a person in a parked car in hot weather. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.”
