[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/heat-related-illnesses\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/heat-related-illnesses\/","headline":"Kids and Heat-Related Illnesses: How to Prevent, Recognize and Treat Heat Conditions","name":"Kids and Heat-Related Illnesses: How to Prevent, Recognize and Treat Heat Conditions","description":"Late summer is the time for sports scrimmages, cheerleading practices, and band camps in advance of a new season. It\u2019s also a prime time for heat-related illnesses in children. Here’s a timely refresher on how to prevent heat-related illnesses from happening in the first place. Beat the Heat Tips Drink plenty of water throughout the […]","datePublished":"2017-07-13","dateModified":"2023-07-26","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/childrenspgh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/heat1-300x162.jpg","url":"http:\/\/childrenspgh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/heat1-300x162.jpg","height":"162","width":"300"},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/heat-related-illnesses\/","about":["Pediatrics"],"wordCount":583,"articleBody":"Late summer is the time for sports scrimmages, cheerleading practices, and band camps in advance of a new season. It\u2019s also a prime time for heat-related illnesses in children.Here’s a timely refresher on how to prevent heat-related illnesses from happening in the first place.Beat the Heat TipsDrink plenty of water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. Feeling thirsty means you\u2019re already dehydrated, so stop dehydration by drinking before, during, and after any activities in the heat.Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing that breathe.Try to exercise or play in shaded areas, and take frequent breaks to cool down.Be especially careful when the humidity level is high. The body has a harder time cooling itself by sweating in higher humidity.Monitor for signs of heat distress and act quickly.These tips are not just for campers and athletes, but for all kids who are active in the summer weather.Types of Heat-Related IllnessesIf you haven’t prevented the heat-related illness, the next best thing is recognizing it and treating it. In order of severity, the four types of heat-related illnesses are:DehydrationOf all the heat-related illnesses, dehydration is the most common. Heat and humidity make both children and adults vulnerable to dehydration.\u00a0In dehydration, the first sign is thirst; however, there are other signs to watch for. They include:HeadacheIrritabilityLight-headedness or dizzinessBoredom or disinterestExcessive fatigueInability to play as hard or as well as usualMuscle CrampsHeat related muscle cramps most often occur when a child is dehydrated and has been active in the heat over a long period. Cramps usually occur in the lower extremities but also can\u00a0happen in the abdomen. If you suspect a child has a heat cramp, have the child:Stop playingDrink a sports drink to replenish fluids, preferably one containing sodium and electrolytesPerform some light stretching and massageHeat ExhaustionHeat exhaustion can occur when a child remains active during periods of dehydration. This is most common later in the summer during activity. Signs of heat exhaustion include:Trouble playing or finding it impossible to keep playingLight-headedness, fainting, loss of coordinationHeavy sweatingPale skinHeadache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaStomach cramps or persistent muscle crampsIf these symptoms occur, it is important to act quickly:Move the child to air-conditioning or at least to a shaded areaRemove excess clothing or equipmentCool with water or fansLie the child down with legs raised above heart levelRehydrate by giving water or a sports drink if the child is not nauseated or vomitingIf the child does not recover quickly, seek medical treatment promptly.Heat StrokeA serious heat-related illness that can lead to permanent disability or death if untreated, heat stroke occurs when the body\u2019s core temperature rises above 104 degrees, usually because of vigorous activity in the heat. The risk of heat stroke increases as heat and humidity rise.Signs a child may be suffering from heat stroke include:Seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior, or other signs of central nervous system dysfunctionIncrease in core body temperatureNausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, weakness, fast breathing, increased heart rate, dehydration, or combativenessHeat stroke is an emergency situation.Begin treatment immediately by:Calling emergency medical personnelTaking child out of the sunBeginning to cool child while waiting for emergency medical personnelFor more information on safety initiatives at Children\u2019s, visit\u00a0www.chp.edu\/injury-prevention. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Kids and Heat-Related Illnesses: How to Prevent, Recognize and Treat Heat Conditions","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/heat-related-illnesses\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]