Child Health A-Z is an encyclopedia of articles about children's health written and edited by healthcare professionals.
Looking for information on teen health? See Adolescent Health A-Z.
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
- confusion or passing out
- seizures
- shock (low blood pressure).
First aid
- Call your child's healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 legs, arms, or 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. Salty foods such as chips or crackers also help. Children with heat cramps do not need to be seen by a healthcare 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. Never leave a child alone in a car. Heatstroke can happen quickly to a young child left in an automobile in hot weather.
