Signs & Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Children

When our environment gets too hot and humid, it’s harder for our body to get rid of this heat by sweating. If the air is hotter than the skin (around 98 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius), or we are exposed to direct sunlight, the body will absorb more heat. If it’s extremely humid outside, the heat doesn’t evaporate from our skin very well when we sweat. All of these things, combined with dehydration, can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Because children are at an increased risk for these conditions, it’s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and to supervise kids closely when playing or exercising outdoors to prevent an emergency.

Risks of Heat for Kids

• According to aboutkidshealth.org, a service of Canada’s Hospital for Sick Children, kids are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke because their bodies don’t regulate their own temperature as well as adults' bodies do. At the same time, they are more likely to spend a lot of time outside, whether it’s playing with friends or participating in sports. Because kids don’t have as much self-control or caution as adults, they often don’t know when it’s time to take a break, get a drink or come inside.

The Little Ones

• Babies and young children are especially at risk when it comes to heat-related illness, because the surface of their body is high relative to their body mass index. This means they absorb more heat from the environment, produce more heat when they exercise, and sweat less than older kids and adults. They also are less apt to stop playing to ask for a drink when they need one.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration and loss of salt in the body due to excessive sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion are:
  • Slightly increased temperature (not above 104 degrees)
  • Profuse sweating
  • Pale skin that’s cool and damp to the touch
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Headache
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dizziness, weakness or fainting
  • Muscle cramps

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

• If you think your child is experiencing heat exhaustion, move him to a cool area right away and lie him down, remove any extra clothing (especially sports equipment) and apply cool water to his skin. Get him to drink chilled water if he’s not nauseated. If he does not improve in an hour, or if he seems confused or disoriented or is acting strangely, take him to a hospital immediately.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to organ damage and death. It’s caused when the body creates more heat than it can release. Signs of heat stroke are:
  • Temperature above 104 degrees
  • Hallucinations
  • Trance-like or irrational behavior
  • Seizure
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Absence of sweating (dry skin)
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Rapid breathing

Treatment for Heat Stroke

• If you think your child is experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 immediately, remove her clothing and cool her body by putting her in a cool bath or applying ice to her skin, monitor her temperature, and do not give her anything to drink.

Prevention

• To prevent heat-related illnesses from happening to your child, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, stay out of direct sunlight or crowds when it’s hot outside, make your child rest often in a cool area, take a water break every 15 to 20 minutes, dress your child in light-colored, lightweight, and loose clothing, and NEVER leave your child alone in a parked car.