Heat-Related Injuries:

Three dangers of summertime are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These are all manifestations of dehydration caused by excessive sweating.

Heat cramps:

Heat cramps is the mildest of these three forms. It is characterized by severe cramping of the muscles, similar to what is seen with football players during a game. Treatment is straightforward. Give your child a cold glass of water every 15 minutes and put him or her in a cool shaded place.

Heat cramps are rarely, if ever, serious. Unless your child is showing some additional signs of distress, you do not need to contact your physician.

Heat exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion is a more serious form of heat stress. In heat exhaustion, the dehydration is somewhat more severe. It is characterized by dizziness, fainting, sweating, and a normal body temperature.

If your child shows signs of heat exhaustion, you should:

• Call your physician's office immediately.
• Move your child to a cool, shady place.
• Give your child a cold glass of water every 15 minutes.
• Have your child lie down, and elevate his or her feet.

Your physician will undoubtedly want to see your child. If your physician agrees, you can transport the child in your own car. You should, however, continue to offer cold water every 15 minutes, and continue to have your child lie down in the back seat. If your physician does not want you to transport your child in your own car, or if you are uncomfortable doing so, call for emergency transportation (an ambulance)

Prevention:

As with all injuries and illnesses, prevention is the key. When your children are out in the heat, make sure that they have plenty to drink. Water is the best liquid to give to any child in the heat. Cool water is better than warm water. Despite what your high school coach might have told you, salt tablets are not a good idea. When your child sweats, he or she loses some salt, but mostly loses water. Salt tablets will actually slow the absorption of water and can make dehydration worse.