AS we enjoy another weekend of gorgeously warm weather, it makes sense that your little one might want to romp about in the sun.
But it can be easy to forget that these higher temperatures can have an effect on your child’s health and pose a danger of heatstroke.
Hot, dry skin and fatigue could be signs of dangerous heat stroke
This is a serious condition that is commonly caused by hot weather or exercise.
It tends to start off with heat exhaustion, which doesn’t need emergency help if you can cool your tot down within 30 minutes, according to NHS guidance.
But if it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
According to Jacquie Lee, information pharmacist at Rowlands Pharmacy, it’s not uncommon for parents to not spot signs of the condition at first.
“The main reason that parents might miss heatstroke symptoms is down to the fact that small children are not able to verbalise the symptoms that they are experiencing, but there are a few symptoms that parents should be vigilant about,” she told The Sun.
Here are the signs of heatstroke to watch out for in your child in this hot weather.
1. Hot, dry skin
It might be easy to miss this one while it’s hot outside, but Jacquie said one of the primary signs of heatstroke is hot, dry skin.
“Children may not sweat as effectively as adults, so their skin may feel hot and dry to the touch instead of being moist,” she explained.
2. A lack of sweat
The lack of sweat is something to watch out of, according to Jacquie.
“While sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism, in cases of heatstroke, children may stop sweating altogether.
“This absence of sweating despite being in a hot environment can be a concerning sign,” the pharmacist said.
3. Increased heart rate
Jacquie said: “Heatstroke can cause an increased heart rate in children.”
But you might miss this symptom if you don’t check your child’s pulse or observe their breathing pattern – make a mental note to do so in circumstances that might put your little one at risk of heatstroke.
4. Excessive fatigue
If your child seems excessively tired or weak after spending time in the sun or being active, it may be a sign of heatstroke.
“They may seem lethargic, listless, or complain of feeling exhausted,” the pharmacist said.
5. Headaches or dizziness
“Children may experience severe headaches or dizziness due to heatstroke,” according to Jacquie.
“Younger children may not be able to express these symptoms clearly, so parents should be vigilant for signs of discomfort.”
6. Nausea and vomiting
Heatstroke can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or vomiting.
“Children may feel queasy or may have already vomited but may not communicate it effectively,” Jacquie warned.
7. A change in mental state
It’s not just physical symptoms you should keep an eye out for.
“Heatstroke can affect a child’s mental state, leading to confusion, disorientation, irritability, or even hallucinations,” Jacquie explained.
“They may struggle to concentrate or have difficulty responding to questions appropriately.”
8. Fainting or losing consciousness
“In severe cases, heatstroke can cause a child to faint or lose consciousness and possibly convulsions,” was the pharmacist’s final caution.
“These are critical symptoms and require immediate medical attention.”
What should I do if I spot heatstroke symptoms in my child?
Jacquie said “it is crucial to act quickly” if your notice heatstroke read flags in your tot.
She recommended you take the following steps if you suspect your child may be suffering from heatstroke.
Firstly, get the child out of the heat and into a cool or air-conditioned environment as soon as possible. Find a shaded area or an air-conditioned building to help lower their body temperature.
Then take off any unnecessary clothing or layers that may be trapping heat to allow for better heat dissipation and to help cool down the body.
Get to cooling your child’s body by using cool – not cold – water to wet the child’s skin.
You can sprayed or sponged this onto them or place damp towels or cloths their body, focusing on areas with a lot of blood vessels, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
You can also use a fan or create some sort of airflow to promote evaporation of the water on your child’s skin to aid the cooling process.
And you can apply a cool compresses to your child’s forehead, neck, or wrists to help bring down their body temperature.
Encourage them to drink cool water or a re-hydration solution, preferably by sipping. But avoid giving them very cold drinks, as they can cause stomach cramps.
Jacquie added: “Parents can phone NHS 111 for advice, but if in any doubt should call 999 as heatstroke is classed as a medical emergency. While waiting for medical help, keep monitoring the child’s condition and continue cooling efforts.”