What is heatstroke? How can we recognize heatstroke in children?

What is heatstroke? How can we recognize heatstroke in children?

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency in which the body becomes extremely overheated, surpassing its ability to regulate and cool down. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to heatstroke. In hot summer weather, sweating is a natural way for the body to cool down. However, children who are playing energetically in high temperatures may not feel tired, and they might neglect to rest or drink water, leading to increased heat production and reduced sweating, making them vulnerable to heatstroke. Additionally, wearing heavy clothing or severe sunburn can also trigger heatstroke. Leaving a child inside a hot car further puts them in a dangerous situation because the temperature inside a car can quickly rise above the outdoor temperature, potentially causing heatstroke within minutes.

The initial symptoms of heatstroke in children may be mild and include thirst, fatigue, leg cramps, stomach spasms, and cold, clammy skin. As heatstroke progresses, children may exhibit the following symptoms: body temperature exceeding 39.5°C, lack of sweating, hot and flushed (or pale) skin, rapid pulse, irritability, headache, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms, rapid shallow breathing, fainting, unconsciousness (no response to calling or stimulation), coma, signs of dehydration, and reduced or no urine output. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage and damage to vital organs and may even result in death.

How can we prevent heatstroke in children?

During hot weather, it is advisable to avoid taking children outdoors. If going outside is necessary, dress them in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing, and have them wear wide-brimmed hats or use umbrellas. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) to protect their skin. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, strenuous physical activities, and spending extended periods outdoors. Encourage children to drink plenty of water and beverages to prevent dehydration. Since heatstroke can also be caused by salt depletion, giving children electrolyte-rich sports drinks is preferable to plain water, especially in hot and humid weather. Avoid giving them beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, as these can lead to more significant water loss.

After recovering from heatstroke, children remain sensitive to high temperatures for about a week. Therefore, it is best to avoid exposing them to hot environments during this period.

If you live in urban areas, heatwaves can pose a higher risk of heatstroke for children. Particularly during stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality (known as the "heat island effect"), roads paved with asphalt or concrete store heat during the day and release it gradually at night, causing higher nighttime temperatures. Parents should remain cautious about preventing heatstroke in such situations.

Children with the following risk factors are more susceptible to heatstroke: those with pre-existing health issues, such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, obesity, underweight, or infectious fever, are more vulnerable to heatstroke during hot summers. Medications, such as diuretics, tranquilizers, stimulants, and antihypertensive drugs, can exacerbate organ failure in children with heatstroke.

What should be done if a child experiences heatstroke?

When you suspect a child might be experiencing heatstroke, it is crucial to lower their body temperature as quickly as possible, as time is of the essence. A child in a state of heatstroke is at risk of losing consciousness. Firstly, call emergency services for help and move the child to a cool, shaded area where they can lie down. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, use a sponge or cloth soaked in cold water to sponge bath the child and fan them to help cool their body. Comfort the child and keep them calm. You can provide the child with warm, diluted saltwater to drink but avoid sweetened beverages, cold drinks (to prevent stomach spasms), and antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen, as they do not help in lowering body heat caused by heatstroke.