What are heat-related illnesses?
Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various heat-related illnesses. Children and teens adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults and sweat less.
Sweating is one of the body's normal cooling mechanisms. Children and teens often do not think to rest when having fun and may not drink enough fluids when playing, exercising, or participating in sports.
Children and teens with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medicines, may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Children and teens who are overweight or wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more vulnerable.
There are 3 types of heat-related illnesses:
Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms and first-aid measures for heat injuries
Here we detail the most common symptoms of heat-related illness. Specific treatment will be determined by a doctor or medical professional symptoms and first aid include some, or more, of the following, but always check with a professional:
Heat cramps
Painful cramps, especially in the legs
Flushed, moist skin
Move to a cool place and rest. Do not continue to participate in the activity.
Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on the skin; fan skin.
Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
Stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently.
Heat exhaustion
Muscle cramps
Pale, moist skin
Usually has a fever over 100.4° F (or 34° C)
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Headache
Fatigue
Weakness
Anxiety, and faint feeling
Move to a cool place and rest.
Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on the skin; fan skin.
Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
If no improvement or you are unable to take fluids, visit the emergency department immediately. IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed.
Heat stroke
Warm, dry skin
high fever, usually over 104° F (or 40° C)
Rapid heart rate
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Fatigue
Confusion
Agitation
Lethargy
Stupor
Seizures, coma, and death are possible
Move to a cool place and rest.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor.
Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin.
Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas.
Offer cool fluids if alert and able to drink.
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