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Heat stroke/exhaustion
What is it?
This occurs when the body's normal cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed by
the combination of heat and dehydration. This allows for the body temperature to rise dramatically. Fevers of 105oF or higher may occur.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are the combination of a warm body with flushed
skin and an impressive lack of perspiration. A child who is hot but with dry
skin is a concerning one. Other symptoms include feeling faint, nausea, fast
breathing, and abdominal pain. The nausea may overshadow the thirst
mechanism, so it is not uncommon for children with heat stroke to not be
terribly thirsty.
What can/should be done at home
Prevention is really the key, which means having plenty of fluids to drink
before going outside and while playing. Drinking liquids should be plentiful
enough that the child experiences little, if any, thirst. However, when heat
exhaustion does occur, remove the child from the sun, take his clothes off,
and place him in a cool bath. Do not make it cold as this will cause
shivering and actually increase the temperature. Encourage fluid intake.
When to get immediate attention
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If the child has truly had a significant increase in body
temperature due to the heat, the doctor should evaluate him after being
cooled at home.
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If, however, the child has simply become a bit worn-out from playing
in the heat, he should be evaluated if he does not become more active within
the first half-hour after cooling.
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Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency, so if there is any
question in your mind about whether this has occurred, call your doctor.
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