This summer break, parents are probably eagerly waiting to see their children leave the room or the house to play and exercise joyfully. However, living outdoors during the hottest time of the year requires caution. Besides promoting health or allowing children to sweat from regular exercise, parents may face the problem of their children falling ill, especially encountering “heat exhaustion” or “heat stroke (Heat stroke)”. This is particularly true for young children who often get caught up in fun without noticing or understanding the symptoms that can be dangerous. This may worsen the condition unknowingly, potentially leading to death, similar to what happens in adults.
Heat inside the body… must be dissipated
Normally, the human body (Body Temperature), whether child or adult, has an average temperature of 36.1-37 degrees Celsius (°C). Even if we do nothing, such as lying still or sitting quietly, the body still produces heat or has a temperature due to the energy metabolism process. When the temperature rises from activity or environmental conditions, the body regulates itself to bring the temperature back to a controllable normal state. It starts by transferring internal heat to the surrounding atmosphere based on the principle that “heat moves from hotter to cooler areas.”
Another way for the body to quickly eliminate internal heat is by using water to carry heat out in the form of sweat. If both methods the body uses to manage heat fail—whether due to being in a very hot environment or insufficient water in the body to dissipate heat—the body temperature will rise, leading to a condition called “heat exhaustion” or “heat stroke (Heat stroke)”.
Heat Stroke: Heat so severe it causes failure
This is a short period during which we can observe children showing symptoms of heat stroke, some of whom may already be in a critical state. Therefore, parents, guardians, and those supervising children’s activities or play during this time must watch for and prevent the following:
- Observe if the child shows fatigue during activities, even if the activity is indoors or in the shade. If the air is stuffy or hot and the activity causes heavy sweating, the chance of heat stroke is as likely as outdoor activities, so it should be avoided.
- The first symptom seen in children with heat stroke is redness of the skin, similar to having a fever, but when touching the child, the body feels cool.
- Some children may experience nausea and vomiting. In some who can communicate, they may appear confused, restless, as if unconscious, with muscle cramps. After that, the body temperature rises, possibly up to 41 degrees Celsius, the skin becomes dry, the pulse is rapid and strong, and eventually, the child loses consciousness.
What to do when encountering Heat Stroke
First aid plays a very important role in helping reduce high body temperature and should be done as follows:
- Move the child to a shaded, cool area, an air-conditioned room, or a place with good ventilation.
- Position the child lying flat and raise the feet slightly above the head to improve blood circulation.
- Loosen the child’s clothing to help dissipate heat.
- If the child is conscious, let them sip water slowly but avoid giving large amounts at once. Use a wet cloth to wipe the body and apply compresses in body folds to help reduce body temperature faster. Avoid using ice or very cold water on the body as it may cause more cramps.
Prevention… Reducing heat exposure reduces heat stroke
- Avoid organizing outdoor activities during intense sunlight or hot weather, including in hot and stuffy areas, as this is the best way to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
- Emphasize wearing clothing that dissipates heat well, is breathable, or wearing hats to protect from heat.
- If outdoor activities are necessary, preparing drinking water and ensuring children drink enough will help greatly.
- Additionally, children who are obese, overweight, or have chronic illnesses should be considered by activity organizers to refrain from participating, as children with certain illnesses or on some medications are more prone to heat stroke than healthy children.
“Heat stroke” or heat exhaustion can occur in all ages and genders. However, for children, fun or enjoyment with friends and innocence may lead to illness. Parents, guardians, or activity organizers must be aware of this to prevent unexpected incidents and should monitor any abnormalities in children participating in activities to reduce severity and the chance of illness.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chidchanok Thianphat
Specialist in Pediatric Neurology
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
