Back to school: How to prevent heat-related illnesses in children

Back to school means a return to sports and other outdoor activities for many children, but with temperatures peaking in many areas of the country this time of year, taking part in those activities can leave kids susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Among those worrisome illnesses are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is a medical emergency. A person may show signs of confusion, have seizures, or lose consciousness. If treatment is not received quickly, the result could be permanent disability or death.

Meanwhile, heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt, often due to sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, and decreased urine output.

Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke quickly. Sometimes, in less than an hour.

Children at greater risk for heat-related illnesses

Jonathan Smits, MD, a sports medicine physician at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, said children are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses than healthy adults.

"Especially young children have a harder time keeping up with fluid intake and have a larger ratio of skin-to-body mass, making dehydration a higher likelihood," Smits said.

Obesity and kids not being conditioned to the heat are other risk factors.

"Keep reminding kids about appropriate clothing, breaks, and drinking frequently. Encourage rest when not feeling well or showing any fever symptoms," Smits said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that schools schedule heavy outdoor activities, like sports practices and exercise, during the cooler parts of the day. In addition, children should stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks.

Smits said sports drinks can be helpful.

"For short activities all the extra sugar is not necessary, but as kids practice more, the electrolyte and carbohydrate beverages are great," Smits said. "There are now many types of electrolyte drinks on the market providing low or zero sugar options and different flavors to meet any child's preferences."

Heat-related illnesses can happen in any climate

Although heat-related illnesses are generally more common during extreme heat or high humidity, Smits said they can happen in any climate.

"Mild temperatures can also produce symptoms, particularly if not conditioned to that weather or the weather is significantly deviated from seasonal norms," Smits said. "Other risk factors include dehydration, fever, scarring or burns, young age, and medications."

What to do when heat-related illnesses strike

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be treated as emergencies.

Smits recommends immediately protecting a child from further sun and heat exposure and to begin cooling with ice bags, a cold bath or getting in a pool. If possible, try to measure the child's core temperature.

"Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and reliable," Smits said.

Once cooling measures are initiated, a child should be transported to an emergency department with transport supervised by first responders.

Other heat-related illnesses adults should look out for

While heat stroke and heat exhaustion are on the more severe end of the spectrum of heat-related illnesses, Smits said parents should also be aware of a condition called "exertional rhabdomyolysis."

"Though not necessarily a heat illness, when kids and adults resume intense physical activity after a period of rest, they can have profound muscle soreness and muscle breakdown," Smits said. "When severe cramping or soreness are accompanied by body aches or dark urine, emergency evaluation is needed to ensure the kidneys are safe."