When a child playing outside in the heat turns bright red, slows down or goes limp, parents worry about heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency in which the body cannot shed heat and temperature climbs rapidly. This article covers how it differs from heat exhaustion, what to do first and when to go to the emergency room.
Why It Happens
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that heat-related illness develops when the body cannot cool itself enough through sweating. It ranges from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to heat stroke, the most serious stage. Children tend to heat up faster than adults and may be too absorbed in play to notice thirst or ask for a break. Humidity, no shade, heavy clothing and too little fluid raise the risk.
How It Differs by Age and Stage
Infants and young toddlers cannot say they are hot or move out of the sun, so caregivers carry the responsibility. Older children may keep playing and report symptoms late. Nationwide Children’s Hospital describes heat exhaustion as heavy sweating, pale and clammy skin, headache, dizziness, nausea and tiredness. Heat stroke is further along: the CDC symptom guidance lists a body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, hot skin that may be red, dry or damp, a fast strong pulse, confusion and fainting. Some older CDC materials use 104°F, so symptoms matter as much as any single number.
What to Do at Home
For suspected heat exhaustion, move the child to shade or air conditioning, remove extra clothing, apply cool wet cloths and offer sips of water or a sports drink if the child is alert and can swallow. For suspected heat stroke, call 911 first. While waiting, cool the child quickly with cool cloths or a cool bath, wet the skin and use a fan, focusing on the neck, armpits and groin; CDC NIOSH materials also describe cold-water immersion where available. The CDC advises not giving the person anything to drink. Stay with the child and keep checking responsiveness. To prevent problems, avoid the hottest hours, schedule shade and water breaks about every 20-30 minutes and dress children in light clothing.
Common Misunderstandings
Some people think wrapping a flushed child in a blanket to “sweat it out” helps, when quick cooling is the priority in heat stroke. Others try to pour water into a confused or drowsy child, which risks choking. A child who seems better after cooling may be sent back to play, though anyone who had signs of heat stroke should be evaluated. And many assume a few minutes alone in a parked car is harmless, but car interiors can heat extremely fast.
When to Seek Care
Call 911 and go to the emergency room right away if the child is confused, slurring words, very drowsy, fainting, having a seizure, or has a temperature of 103°F or higher with hot skin. For heat exhaustion that does not improve after cooling and fluids, repeated vomiting, or no urine for 8 hours or more, get medical care the same day. Let the pediatrician know about any episode even if the child recovers. This information is based on U.S. sources; if you live elsewhere, check with a local pediatrician. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.