Our bodies create a tremendous amount of internal heat. We
normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through our
skin. Under certain circumstances, such as unusually high
temperatures, high humidity, or vigorous exercise in hot weather,
this natural cooling system may begin to fail, allowing internal
heat to build up to dangerous levels. The result may be heat
illness, which can come in the form of heat cramps, heat
exhaustion, or heatstroke.
Heat cramps are brief, severe cramps in the muscles of the legs,
arms, or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise
in extreme heat. The sweating that occurs with vigorous exercise
causes the body to lose salts and fluids. And the low level of
salts causes the muscles to cramp. Children are particularly
susceptible to heat cramps when they haven't been drinking
enough fluids. Although painful, heat cramps aren't
What to Do:
Most heat cramps don't require special treatment. A cool
place, rest, and fluids should ease your child's discomfort.
Massaging cramped muscles may also help.
Heat exhaustion is a more severe heat illness that can occur
when a person in a hot climate or environment hasn't been
drinking enough fluids. Symptoms may include:
- clammy skin
- nausea and/or
- hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
What to Do:
- Bring your child indoors or into the shade.
- Loosen or remove your child's clothing.
- Encourage your child to eat and drink.
- Give your child a bath in cool (not cold) water.
- Call your child's doctor for further advice. If your
child is too exhausted or ill to eat or drink, intravenous fluids
may be necessary.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion may escalate into heatstroke,
which can be fatal.
The most severe form of heat illness,
heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency
. The body loses its ability to regulate its own temperature. Body
temperature can soar to 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 degrees
Celsius) or even higher, leading to brain damage or even death if
it isn't quickly treated. Prompt medical treatment is required
to bring the body temperature under control.
Factors that increase the risk for heatstroke include
overdressing and extreme physical exertion in hot weather with
inadequate fluid intake.
Heatstroke can also happen when a child is left in, or becomes
accidentally trapped in, a car on a hot day. When the outside
temperature is 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.9 degrees Celsius), the
temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51.7
degrees Celsius) in just 20 minutes, quickly raising a child's
body temperature to dangerous levels.
What to Do:
Call for emergency medical help if your child has been outside
in the sun exercising for a long time and shows one or more of the
following symptoms of heatstroke:
- flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating
- temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius)
- severe, throbbing headache
- weakness, dizziness, or confusion
- sluggishness or fatigue
- decreased responsiveness
- loss of consciousness
While waiting for help:
- Get your child indoors or into the shade.
- Undress your child and sponge or douse him or her with cool
An Ounce of Prevention
Some ways you can prevent your child from experiencing heat
- Teach your child to always drink plenty of fluids before and
during an activity in hot, sunny weather - even if he or she
- Make sure your child wears light-colored loose clothing.
- Make sure your child only participates in heavy activity
outdoors before noon and after 6 PM.
- Teach your child to come indoors immediately whenever he or
she feels overheated.
Updated and reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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