Heat Reactions
There are three main reactions to an extremely hot
environment. All three are caused by excessive loss of
water through sweating.
Heatstroke or Sunstroke
Symptoms
- hot, flushed skin
- high fever (at least 105°F, or 40.6°C)
- not sweating
- delirium or unconsciousness
- shock (low blood pressure).
First aid
- Call your child's health care provider IMMEDIATELY.
- The high fever can be a life-threatening emergency. Cool
your child off as rapidly as possible. Move him to a
cool place. Sponge him with cool water (as cold as is
tolerable), and fan him. If your child is unconscious,
immersion in cold water could be life-saving. Note:
Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) will not
help.
- If your child is conscious, give him a glass of cold
water to drink every 15 minutes until he feels better.
- Call for emergency transportation.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
- cold, pale skin
- no fever (temperature less than 100°F, or 37.8°C)
- sweating
- dizziness
- fainting
- weakness.
First aid
- Call your child's health care provider IMMEDIATELY.
- Put your child in a cool place. Have him lie down with
his feet elevated.
- Give your child a glass of cold water to drink every
15 minutes until he feels better.
- Your health care provider will probably want to examine
your child's state of hydration. After 2 or 3 glasses of
water, you can drive in. Continue to offer your child
water during the ride.
Heat Cramps
Symptoms
- severe cramps in the limbs and abdomen
- no fever.
Home care
Heat cramps are the most common reaction to excessive heat.
They are never serious. Give your child a glass of cold
water to drink every 15 minutes until he feels better.
Children with heat cramps do not need to be seen by a
health care provider.
Prevention
When your child is working or exercising in a hot
environment, have him drink extra fluids. Avoid salt
tablets because they slow down the absorption of water.
Light-colored, lightweight clothing will help keep your
child cooler.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.