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Kids' Health
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Prevent heat-related illness this summer The school year is over and summer is here. The beach, barbecues and family vacations are among the highlights that make living in Southern California what it is. Exercise and outdoor activities are great for health and family togetherness; however, there are a few precautions you and your family should take. Sunscreens are a must for protection of the skin. In addition to protecting the outside of the body, you need to protect the inside. Heat-related illness is often unrecognized until it has progressed to a serious situation. Remember, it is preventable. This condition can affect children of all ages, and the younger the child, the more rapidly this can occur. Why are children more susceptible to heat-induced illness? The American Academy of Pediatrics gives the following explanation. • Children have a greater surface area-to-body mass ratio than adults, which causes a greater heat gain from the environment on a hot day and a greater heat loss to the environment on a cold day. • Children produce more heat per mass unit than adults during physical activities that include walking or running. • The sweating capacity is considerably lower in children than adults, which reduces the ability of children to dissipate body heat by evaporation. During heat exhaustion, the body’s cooling mechanism shuts down while the body temperature goes up and the ability to sweat decreases. Mild symptoms of heat exhaustion begin as thirst, tiredness and cramping in the legs and abdomen. At this early stage, it is necessary to stop activity and cool down the body or exhaustion will progress to heat stroke. The symptoms of heat stroke are serious and include dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, vomiting and an impaired level of consciousness. The body temperature can rise to as high as 105 degrees, increasing the risk of damage to the brain, kidneys and liver. Since heat-related illness can be life-threatening, following some basic guidelines can avoid serious consequences. Children and adolescents who are involved in vigorous team sports may be at a higher risk for heat exhaustion due to their level of performance as well as some coaching styles. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made the following recommendations • The intensity of activities that last more than 15 minutes should be reduced when temperatures and humidity are at critical levels. • Acclimatization to a warmer climate by increasing activity over 10-14 days will help avoid complications. • Maintain hydration. Begin exercise well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before beginning exercise. During the activity, periodic drinking every 15-20 minutes should be enforced even if the athlete does not feel thirsty. Flavored salt-containing drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) or water are appropriate liquids. Somewhere between 5-10 ounces, depending upon size, should be taken at each break. Clothing material should be light-colored and lightweight, which facilitates evaporation of sweat, a cooling mechanism. Saturated clothing should be changed and rubberized sweat suits should not be used. If a person does develop a heat-related illness, cooling the body and giving fluids are first on the list. Get the person to a cooler place. Shade or air conditioning will help. If the person is alert, give 4-8 ounces of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not allow them to drink too fast as this might cause nausea and vomiting, worsening the situation. Loosen tight clothing and apply cool wet cloths to the body. If the person has progressed from heat exhaustion to heat stroke – this is a life-threatening emergency – call 9-1-1, then begin to cool the body. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. If the person is not alert, giving fluids may be dangerous and produce choking and aspiration. Keep the person lying down, which helps to avoid severe shock, and keep the airway clear. Remember, heat-related illnesses are avoidable. Teach your children the ways to prevent overheating and recognize the early signs when they are easily treatable. Dr. Clyde Wesp is a pediatrician with Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates with offices in Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and San Clemente (Talega) and is affiliated with Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Mission Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the MemorialCare Physician Society. If you have any questions or comments for Dr. Wesp you can email him at askdrwesp@-netscape.net. |
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