Many children and adults enjoy being outside when the weather is warm, but excessive exercise or activity in hot weather can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called heat exhaustion. Children are not able to sweat as much as adults do, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Luckily, there are precautions that can help prevent heat exhaustion.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion in children may include heavy sweating, clammy skin, fatigue, headache and hyperventilation. Some children also experience paleness of the skin, fainting spells, vomiting and even a raised temperature. The raised temperature, usually about 101 or 102 degrees, is not a result of a fever, but is induced by the heat itself.
Causes
Some circumstances can cause the internal cooling system of a child's body to fail. KidsHealth explains that this can happen when the child is exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Exercising or playing sports in hot weather can also cause heat exhaustion. When the cooling system of the body stops working, heat can build up internally to dangerous temperatures. A child's body will then begin to sweat to cool it down, resulting in dehydration.
Treatment
A child who is experiencing heat exhaustion should be immediately moved to a cooler area. Water should be accessible and the child should be encouraged to drink to rehydrate the body. An ice pack or cool compress can be applied to the skin. A fan aimed at the child can also help alleviate symptoms. The child's clothing should be removed or loosened. A cool bath can also help.
Prevention
KidsHealth suggests teaching children to drink a lot of water before and after activities in hot weather. This should be encouraged even when the child is not thirsty. Children should always be dressed in loose-fitting clothing when participating in warm weather activities. Extreme outdoor activity should only performed before 12 in the afternoon or after 6 at night. In addition, kids should be taught to come inside or seek shade when they are beginning to feel too hot.
Warning
If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can escalate into something more serious, even fatal. An ambulance should immediately be called if a child has been exposed to the sun or heat for long periods of time and exhibits severe symptoms. These include a pounding headache, a temperature that reaches 105 degrees or more, confusion and a lack of sweating even though skin is hot and dry. These symptoms can be a sign of heatstroke, a more serious form of heat illness.
