Wash. — An extreme heatwave can be dangerous to all, and small children are at high risk during these high temperatures. Knowing common signs of heat-related illness is important to keep your little ones safe this summer.
According to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), small kids and infants can experience three types of high-heat illness when exposed to high heat or humidity for an extended period of time:
Heat Cramps (mild)Heat exhaustion (Severe)Heatstroke (Life-threatening)
If not taken care of properly or quickly, the illness can escalate, making the illness more severe.
CHLA says if a child is experiencing heat cramps, take them to a cool area out of the sun and give them water or a sports drink. CHLA suggests gently massaging and stretching the cramped muscles. If the cramps last longer than an hour, call your doctor.
According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, heat exhaustion can show symptoms like pale skin, profuse sweating and nausea, dizziness, fainting, or a mild fever.
If a child has heat exhaustion, have him lie down with his feet elevated in a cool place. The hospital suggests undressing the child (besides their underwear) so the body surface can give off heat. Then, sponge the entire body with cool water.
If a child has a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and do everything to try to lower the surface body temperature.
According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, call your doctor if their vomiting keeps your child from drinking, their muscle cramps last more than four hours, their fever goes above 104 degrees if the fever lasts over two hours, or if your child’s symptoms become worse.
For infants, seek help if the baby is less than 12 weeks old and not acting normal or if they show signs of a fever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), small children and infants rely on adults to stay safe during hot summer temperatures. The CDC says kids should be kept hydrated with plenty of fluids and avoid really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
