CHILDREN’S HEATSTROKE: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Signs and symptoms
The onset of heatstroke is signaled by a feeling that lungs and muscles are “on fire.” The child may have a dry mouth, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. However, the most characteristic signs of heatstroke are extremely hot, flushed, dry skin; high fever; and the complete absence of sweating, which usually leads to unconsciousness.
Home care
If you suspect that your child has heatstroke, call immediately for emergency-help and then begin first aid. Remove the child’s clothing and place him or her in a shady area. Place the child in a reclining position with the feet higher than the head. Pour cold water over the child, rub the body with ice, then fan the child to promote evaporation which will lower the body temperature. Continue this treatment until the child is conscious and the body temperature is back to normal. Then give fruit juices, which will replace minerals as well as fluids lost during dehydration. Watch the child carefully, and if the symptoms recur repeat the treatment process. If the child does not revive within minutes emergency care is essential.
Precautions
• Heatstroke can cause brain damage or death if not treated correctly and promptly. A child with heatstroke who doesn’t revive within minutes requires emergency care immediately.
• Heatstroke occurs most often when both temperature and humidity are high.
• Strenuous exercise within one week of an attack of heatstroke may lead to another attack.
• Lack of water, excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea increase the child’s susceptibility to heatstroke.
• Taking salt tablets can increase rather than lessen a person’s risk of getting heatstroke.
Medical treatment
If a child with heatstroke does not revive in minutes, injections of special intravenous fluids will be required.
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