Do you know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children?
Children’s bodies do not adapt to hot weather as well as adult bodies do. The difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children is important for every parent to know in order to prevent health problems for their child.
In Coweta County, the school year has begun, and children are practicing various athletic activities such as football, baseball, band, color guard, and cheerleading.
When practice is held outdoors, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are critical to your child’s wellbeing.
What is the difference?
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has not been properly hydrated. In children, ensuring proper hydration while they play or participate in athletics is vitally important.
Children produce more body heat during physical activity that adults do, but they sweat much less. This reduces their ability to get rid of body heat and can quickly lead to dehydration.
Heat stroke is the most sever form of heat illness and is a life-threatening medical emergency. When a child is suffering from heat stroke, his body loses the ability to regulate its own temperature. Your child’s temperature can soar to 106 degrees or higher, leading to brain damage or death if it is not treated quickly. Prompt medical treatment is required.
What are the symptoms?
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Dehydration
Flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating
Fatigue
Temperature of 105 or higher
Weakness
Severe, throbbing headache
Clammy skin
Weakness, dizziness or confusion
Headache
Seizure
Nausea/vomiting
Decreased responsiveness
Irritability
Loss on consciousness
What do you do for a child suffering from these symptoms?
Heat Exhaustion:
— Get your child indoors or in the shade immediately
— Encourage your child to eat or drink
— Loosen your child’s clothing
**If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke
Heat Stroke:
— Get your child inside immediately
— Undress and sponge cool (not cold) water all over the body
— DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS (in heat stroke only)
— Call for emergency assistance
How can you prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
— Have your child drink lots of fluids before beginning outdoor activities, even if they are not thirsty.
— Dress your child in loose-fitting, light colored clothing
— Limit your child’s exposure level by allowing outdoor activities only before noon and after 6pm.
— Teach your child to stop playing and come inside whenever they feel overheated.
Knowing the signs, symptoms and treatments can prevent your child from suffering from either of these dangerous conditions.
