It is important to keep children safe from the blazing sun. Parents have to make sure their child is covered with an adequate amount of sunscreen. There are several causes of heat stroke in children. Ensuring that the kids have proper hydration, comfortable clothing, and rest periods is the key to avoiding heat stroke symptoms.
Heat Stroke In Children
Heat stroke is the most fatal heat-related illness that could happen to someone, especially in children. It can cause their body temperature to rise to 40 °C or higher within 10 – 15 minutes. Without treatment, it may result in irreversible disability or death. You need to identify an early heat stroke sign.
Why Kids Are Easily Affected By Heat Stroke?
Image via Parents
Both kids and adults can get heat stroke. However, kids have higher risks of heat stroke due to certain causes. Here’s why:
1. Smaller Body Mass
Image via Marsden Weighing
Children and infants can heat up and cool down more quickly due to their smaller body masses to surface area ratio. This can result in heating up quickly during extremely hot weather. They are therefore more vulnerable to heat-related issues.
2. Ineffective Temperature Regulation
Image via PhillyVoice
Infants and children have smaller sweat glands and a less effective cooling system compared to adults. Hence, they wouldn’t be able to regulate the extreme heat in their body.
3. Inability To Self-Hydrate
Image via Real Simple
Infants and children are unable to drink water or other fluids to rehydrate themselves like adults. They are more likely to be dependent on their parents. Hence, parents are responsible for keeping their children cool.
4. Limited Communication
Image via Motherly
It can be very challenging for parents to identify if their kids are overheating. This is because they cannot always communicate their discomfort and distress. They might even think a rise in body temperature could be due to fever.
Parents must recognize the warning signs of heat stroke in their children during the hot weather. If your children or infant may be experiencing heat stroke, try cooling them off or seek medical help immediately.
