Need some help with a child that has already had a heat stoke?

Question

ok my daughter has already had a heat stroke at the ago of 7 last summer i kelt her inside all summer long, this summer she really wants to go outside and play with her friends, i am so worred to let her out to play. she goes to a summer program were they go out side alot and she really wants to beable to play with the other kids, i just dont know what i can do so that she can have a fun summer and not have another heat stoke,,,please any thoughs ???

Answer 1

What did the doctor say to do? I had a heat stroke once as a child when hiking on a very hot day, but it never happened again even though I was outside all the time throughout my childhood.  I just keep my kids in if it's 95+, make sure they have sunscreen and a hat for shade, make sure they get plenty of water, and obviously bring them in or get them in some shade or a swimming pool if they seem to be overheating.  Unless your pediatrician says you need to take more precautions than that, I'd say let her be a normal kid! If you're really worried that she's somehow at high risk for a recurrence, ask your pediatrician for advice on when and under what circumstances it's safe for her to be out.

Answer 2

My son had heat stroke at age four, and you are right that once you have it, you are prone to it for life. However, you can gradually get her used to the heat again, and take precautions to ensure that her body doesn't get stressed out.

I would emphasize at the summer program that she needs to be able to have a water bottle with her at all times (get one of the steel ones with a shoulder strap, or even a camelback for her to wear) And that she needs to be able to come back in at any point, because I know that many have the rule that once you're out, you're out.

My son is 13, and has only had one other incident of heat sickness, not even the full stroke, so rest a bit and know that she can be safe.

Answer 3

Water.As long as she is drinking while outside and eating too.And not staying out for hours and hours,she should be fine.My family has learned this the hard way.Oldest son got sick a year ago at school when they went to a park.This year I sent lots of water with him and he was fine.

Answer 4

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.

What causes heat stroke?

Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.

If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

headache

dizziness

disorientation, agitation or confusion

sluggishness or fatigue

seizure

hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty

a high body temperature

loss of consciousness

rapid heart beat

hallucinations

How is heat stroke treated?

It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.

Get the person indoors.

Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.

Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.

Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated

Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.

How can heat stroke be prevented?

There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:

Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.

Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.

Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella.

Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.

During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.

Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.

The best thing you can do is stay inside when it goes above 95, or when it's really sticky outside. If she DOES go outside, give her a Nalgene (plastic, extremely durable water bottle) to keep her hydrated. She should stay in the shade if it's really hot, as it can be 15 degrees cooler than standing in direct sun rays.

Answer 5

Steve H-- has a great answer, but what is left out is to keep salt, or salt tablets handy. The loss of salt through sweating is the main cause of heat stroke.

Answer 6

just let her out for 1 hr...make sure she is drinking lots of water..dont let her out of your sight,,,and make her come in after 1hr for a rest...and then maybe let her go back in the evening when its a little cooler for another hr...