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Child Heat Illness Dangers

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Summer is a busy time for children, from outdoor activities, to sports, to just spending time playing in the backyard. When the weather is hot, the humidity is high, and children aren’t taking the time to ensure that they are properly hydrated, the risk of child heat illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke increases, sometimes to dangerous levels.

What are Heat Cramps? 

Heat cramps are brief, yet painful muscle cramps that typically occur in the arms, legs, or stomach that happen during or after vigorous exercise in the heat. This is likely due to the loss of salt and electrolytes that the body loses through sweating. Children are at particular risk for heat cramps when they are not staying hydrated and while these heat cramps are not serious on their own, they can be a precursor to other, more serious heat illnesses.

If you suspect that your child is suffering from heat cramps, move them to a cool place to rest and provide fluids. Water or sports drinks that contain salt and sugar, plus stretching and massaging the affected muscles will often resolve the cramping.

What is Heat Exhaustion? 

Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps, but the two share a similar cause: not drinking enough fluids in a hot environment.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Cool clammy skin despite the heat
  • Elevated body temperature-typically under 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Children that are overweight, taking certain medications, have sunburn, or are sick are particularly prone to heat exhaustion. Treatment for heat exhaustion should include:

  • Bring your child to a cooler, air-conditioned area, whether indoors or a car;
  • Remove any excess clothing that could be retaining heat;
  • Encourage your child to drink cool fluids and/or sports drinks;
  • Place a cool, wet cloth on their skin or place them in a cool bath;
  • Call your physician for advice-children who are too weak may need intravenous fluids.

Heat exhaustion that is left untreated is dangerous and can quickly develop into a much more serious condition called heatstroke.

What is Heatstroke? 

The most severe form of heat illness is called heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical condition that needs immediate attention. 

In heatstroke, the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Body temperature can quickly rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher, putting your child at-risk for brain damage, organ failure, and death. Quick medical care is imperative to lower the temperature of the body and bring it under control. 

Heatstroke can occur when a child is overdressed in hot weather, or they are being physically active without proper hydration. Heatstroke can also occur when a child is left in, or trapped in a vehicle on a hot day, quickly raising their body temperature to dangerous levels.

If you suspect that your child is suffering from heatstroke, call for emergency medical help immediately, especially if they are displaying the following symptoms:

  • Severe headache
  • Weakness and dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heart rate and rapid breathing
  • Not sweating
  • Flushed, hot, dry skin
  • Temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • Seizure
  • Loss of consciousness

Before emergency medical help arrives, get your child to a cool area, undress them and apply cool water, and do not give fluids unless they are alert and acting normally.

To prevent child heat illnesses, it is important that parents teach their children to drink plenty of fluids on hot days even if they are not feeling thirsty. Parents should also teach children to dress in light colored, loose clothing, as well as apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of their body, especially if they are taking part in athletic activities. Finally, limit outdoor playtime to less hot times of the day and encourage children to come inside when they feel overheated.

Playing outside or taking part in sports are great activities for all children. As long as parents supervise their children, especially during hot weather, and children are taught how to stay properly hydrated and to come inside when they are overheated, child heat illnesses can be avoided.

If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7. 

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