As summer time and
warmer weather approaches it’s time to get educated on all things related to
kids and heat. In proportion to adults, kids have more body fluids and they
also can dehydrate faster than adult. This means that you need to be aware of
the signs indicating that there is a problem. Keeping your kids hydrated is
essential but you might not always be present to make sure they have proper
fluid intake. Knowing what to look for in the event that your child suffers
heat stroke is crucial.
Some signs of heat stroke are listed below.
- Red
flushed skin – If your
child has been out in the heat for a while and has red, flushed skin, take
notice because this could be a symptom of heat stroke. This is especially
a concern if your child is not sweating and the skin is cold and clammy to
the touch.
- High
levels of anxiety – A
classic symptom of heat stroke in children is an elevated level of
anxiety. If your child is exhibiting this behavior, along with other
symptoms, there is a problem. If your infant seems distressed and is
crying constantly with no tears this could also be an indication of heat
stroke.
- Nausea – If your child complains of a
tummy ache be aware that many children experience nausea when heat stroke
sets in. Infants will spit up frequently or vomit right after feeding if
they are affected.
- Rise
in body temperature –
Along with the other symptoms your child will have a rapid rise in body
temperature. One of the hallmarks of heat stroke in kids is a temperature
of 103 or higher. Sometimes the temperature will go as high as 106.
- Disorientation – Heat stroke may cause the child
to experience hallucinations. They believe that they are actually seeing
the things that are appearing to them and they react. This is a common
symptom of heat stroke. Infants may prove unresponsive or sluggish.
- Difficulty
in breathing – Breathing
may become difficult for a child who is in the throes of a heat stroke.
Not to be confused with an asthma attack, but if this symptom occurs along
with other symptoms you must act quickly.
- Rapid
pulse – Another sign that
your child is experiencing heat stroke and is in serious trouble is a
rapid pulse.
- Severe
headache – A severe
headache could also indicate a problem with heat stroke. Sometimes
headaches caused by heat stroke will be severe enough to cause the child
to become unconscious.
- Loss
of appetite – In addition
to the other symptoms, children who are experiencing heat stroke have no
appetite. Look for this combined with other symptoms such as the headache
and nausea.
- Seizures – Without immediate medical help,
the child could go into seizures. These could lead to coma and/or brain
death, which demonstrate just how serious suffering from a case of heat
stroke can be.
Heat strokes are a
serious condition that can cause permanent damage or death. Should your child
experience heat stroke, you can stabilize them by getting them to a cool area,
giving them cold water and cooling them down with wet towels or spraying them
with cool water. Even though the child may become stable for a short time, you
still need to seek medical attention immediately so that proper treatment can
be administered.
Contacts and sources:
Abby Nelson
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