Heat Reactions

There are three main reactions to an extremely hot environment. All three are caused by excessive loss of water through sweating.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke

Symptoms

• hot, flushed skin
• high fever (at least 105°F, or 40.6°C)
• not sweating
• delirium or unconsciousness
• shock (low blood pressure).

First aid

• Call your child's health care provider IMMEDIATELY.
• The high fever can be a life-threatening emergency. Cool your child off as rapidly as possible. Move him to a cool place. Sponge him with cool water (as cold as is tolerable), and fan him. If your child is unconscious, immersion in cold water could be life-saving. Note: Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) will not help.
• If your child is conscious, give him a glass of cold water to drink every 15 minutes until he feels better.
• Call for emergency transportation.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms

• cold, pale skin
• no fever (temperature less than 100°F, or 37.8°C)
• sweating
• dizziness
• fainting
• weakness.

First aid

• Call your child's health care provider IMMEDIATELY.
• Put your child in a cool place. Have him lie down with his feet elevated.
• Give your child a glass of cold water to drink every 15 minutes until he feels better.
• Your health care provider will probably want to examine your child's state of hydration. After 2 or 3 glasses of water, you can drive in. Continue to offer your child water during the ride.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms

• severe cramps in the limbs and abdomen
• no fever.

Home care

Heat cramps are the most common reaction to excessive heat. They are never serious. Give your child a glass of cold water to drink every 15 minutes until he feels better. Children with heat cramps do not need to be seen by a health care provider.

Prevention

When your child is working or exercising in a hot environment, have him drink extra fluids. Avoid salt tablets because they slow down the absorption of water. Light-colored, lightweight clothing will help keep your child cooler.