Your Child's Health


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IN THIS ARTICLE

# Heatstroke or Sunstroke, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Cramps
# First Aid for Heatstroke and Sunstroke
# First Aid for Heat Exhaustion
# Home Care for Heat Cramps
# Prevention of Heat Reactions


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# Other Expert Views
on Similar Topics

# Other Health Topics

Heat Reactions

There are three main reactions to an extremely hot environment. All three are caused by excessive loss of water through sweating. They mainly occur in people who are exercising during hot weather. Infants are at added risk because they are less able to sweat with heat stress. For treatment, select the type of heat reaction that pertains to your child. A rectal temperature is more reliable than an oral temperature for these disorders.

HEATSTROKE OR SUNSTROKE

Hot, flushed skin; high fever (at least 105ºF); the absence of sweating; confusion or unconsciousness; and shock (low blood pressure) are present. The onset is usually rapid.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Cold, pale skin; no fever (temperature less than 100ºF); profuse sweating; and dizziness, fainting, or weakness are present. The onset is usually gradual.

HEAT CRAMPS

Severe cramps in the limbs (especially calf or thigh muscles) and abdomen, with no fever, are present.

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FIRST AID FOR HEATSTROKE OR SUNSTROKE

  • Call the rescue squad (911) immediately.
  • Heatstroke can be life-threatening. The high fever is a serious emergency. Cool your child off as rapidly as possible. Move him or her to a cool place. Keep the feet elevated. Place ice packs in the armpits and groin. Sponge your child with cool water (as cold as is tolerable), and fan him. If your child is unconscious, immersion in cold water could be lifesaving. (Note: Aspirin or acetaminophen is of no help.)
  • If your child is conscious, give as much cold water to drink as he or she can tolerate.

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FIRST AID FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION

  • Call your child's physician immediately.
  • Put your child in a cool place. Have him or her lie down with the feet elevated. Cover your child with cold wet towels.
  • Give as much cold water to drink as your child can tolerate until he or she feels better.
  • Your physician will probably want to examine your child's state of hydration. You can drive in, but keep your child lying down in the back seat during the drive and provide unlimited amounts of water.

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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.

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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.

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Excerpted with permission from Your Child's Health.
Copyright © 1991 by Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.



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