Muscle strain, twisted ankles, ill-fitting sports gear -- these are some of the common issues kids who play youth sports often deal with. Dehydration and heat illness are also major concerns, yet are often overlooked. Children's dehydration risk is tied to both physiological and behavioral reasons, making awareness with the signs a necessity.
Children's Risk
Children, along with people with certain health conditions and the elderly, are at greater risk for heat illnesses. Kids' bodies produce more heat during physical activity yet they also sweat less than adults. Sweating is how the body cools itself to prevent increases in temperature. A child's body temperature rises faster than an adult's as a result, leading to more severe dehydration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cautions that kids typically spend more time outdoors and may not pay attention to their bodies' need for fluid replenishment.
Signs and Symptoms
Parents, coaches and children alike need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with dehydration. Kids become more fatigued as they become dehydrated, so their physical ability is compromised. They may also have a dry mouth and reduced tear production when crying. Fussiness is a sign in children, as is going eight hours or more without urinating. Classic signs of dehydration in both adults and children include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps and thirst; however, excessive thirst may not be a reliable indicator in children, according to the MayoClinic website.
Treatment
Catching dehydration in the early stages is key as this can prevent more severe, even life-threatening, heat illness. Kids should immediately stop physical activity and move into a shady, cool area or air-conditioned environment. Replenishing the lost fluids is priority, so they should be provided with plenty of cool, plain water for the first couple of hours. Fluid replacement drinks that contain electrolytes may be used after this. Emergency medical attention is a must if children's symptoms do not improve or worsen.
Prevention
Children who take part in outdoor exercise or youth sports are at particular risk for dehydration. Caregivers and coaches can combat this risk by making sure kids drink fluids before, during and after physical activities -- whether they are thirsty or not. Wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing is also important. Coaches should be willing to stop physical activity if needed during hot weather. Kids should also be taught the importance of hydration and the dangers of heat illness. They need to be familiar with early dehydration symptoms so they can ask for help when needed as well.
References
- Sports Science Exchange; Children's Responses to Exercise in Hot Climates: Implications for Performance and Health; Oded Bar-Or, MD; 1994
- US Environmental Protection Agency: Extreme Heat: Effects on Children and Pregnant Women
- MayoClinic.com; Dehydration; January 2011
- KidsHealth.org; Dehydration; Kate M. Cronan, MD
- MayoClinic.com; Dehydration and Youth Sports: Curb the Risk; June 2011
- National University of Health Sciences: Preventing Youth Sports Injuries
