The sun and high temperatures can cause many health problems, both for adults and children. However, infants and young children are the most vulnerable and therefore, it is very important to take some precautions when they are going to be exposed to the sun or high temperatures. Without forgetting what, babies can suffer a heatstroke and it is essential to know how to act in this case to avoid fatal consequences.
What is heat stroke
Heat stroke is often confused with heat stroke, these are different but equally dangerous problems for babies and young children. Heatstroke occurs as a result of an increase in temperature, generally produced by heat. In this case, keeping the body well hydrated is the key to avoiding this type of disorder.
The sunstroke instead, is produced by direct exposure to sunlight. When the head is exposed to the sun for a long time, the blood vessels in the head increase in size, resulting in a disorder in the volume of the blood. As a consequence, severe headaches, dizziness and fainting appear, even in the most severe cases loss of consciousness can occur, which is known as syncope.
Usually, recovery after sunstroke is usually quick and it does not usually cause major consequences, as it can happen with heat stroke. However, it is very important to know how to recognize the symptoms and act in time to control the situation as quickly as possible, especially if the heat stroke is suffered by a baby or a young child.
Preventive measures
Babies and children up to the age of 4 are those at greatest risk of heat stroke. This is because your body temperature regulation system is different than adults, therefore they are more vulnerable. In addition, the skin of such young children is much more delicate and can burn more easily. Therefore, if you are going to expose a small child or baby to the sun, even for a short period of time, it is essential to take some precautions.
- Protect baby's skin: Apply a cream with the highest protection and make sure it is a specific product for the skin of babies. In addition to applying protection to the entire body, use appropriate clothing for the baby. These are garments that include protection against the sun's rays, which allow children to expose themselves to the sun. However, These garments should not substitute in any case for sun protection cream.
- The head well covered and under the umbrella: Put on a cap or hat that protects your baby's head from the sun's rays.
- Make sure it's always well hydrated: If your baby is breastfeeding, make sure that he breastfeeds frequently. In older children who already drink water, make sure that always drink liquids, fruits and dairy.
How to deal with heat stroke
Despite taking all preventive measures, it can happen to anyone that the child suffers from sunstroke due to an oversight. In this situation, it is essential to remain calm at all times in order to act rationally and as quickly as possible. If you notice that your baby or toddler begins to show symptoms of heat stroke, you must act quickly and as follows.
- Find an area away from the sun and as cool as possible. You must lower the child's body temperature quickly, you can use a fan or enter an establishment. Generally, stores have refrigeration systems and the cool will help lower body temperature.
- Use warm water cloths. Remove all clothing and use cloths, towels, or whatever you have on hand. Always with warm water, it should never be cold water.
- If the child has not lost consciousness, you should drink liquids, either water or an isotonic drink if possible. The liquid should be cool but not very cold, if you have to choose, better at room temperature.
If after applying these tips the child does not improve, the body temperature does not drop and the symptoms do not improve, it is most likely that it is a heat stroke and not a heatstroke. In that case, you must go to emergency medical services as soon as possible.