HOME CARE FOR HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are the most common reaction to excessive heat. They are never serious. Give your child as much cold water to drink as he can tolerate until he feels better. Your child will not need to be seen by the physician.
PREVENTION OF HEAT REACTIONS
- When your child is working or exercising in a hot environment, have him or her drink large amounts of cool water. Water is the ideal solution for replacing lost sweat. Very little salt is lost. Special glucose-electrolyte solutions offer no advantage over water unless you are exercising for longer than an hour.
- Have your child take 5-minute water breaks every 25 minutes in the shade. Encourage him to drink water even if he's not thirsty. Thirst is often delayed until a person is almost dehydrated. Tell your child he can't drink too much water during hot weather.
- Avoid salt tablets, because they slow down stomach emptying and delay the absorption of fluids.
- Have your child wear a single layer of lightweight clothing. Change it if it becomes wet with perspiration.
- Athletic coaches recommend that exercise sessions be shortened and less vigorous if the temperature exceeds 82ºF, especially if the humidity is high.
- When using a hot tub, limit exposure to 15 minutes and have a "buddy" system in case a heat reaction suddenly occurs. Hot tubs and saunas should be avoided by people with a fever, or following vigorous exercise when the body needs to release heat.
- Protect infants with fevers from heatstroke by not bundling them in blankets or excessive clothing.
Excerpted with permission from Your Child's Health.
Copyright © 1991 by Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.