Match the type of environmental emergency with the appropriate description.
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Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause many types of heat-related illness. Children and teens adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults, and sweat less. Sweating is one of the ways the body cools itself. Children and teens often don't think to rest when having fun. And they may not drink enough fluids when playing, exercising, or taking part in sports. Children and teens with ongoing (chronic) health problems, or those who take certain medicines, may be more likely to have heat-related illnesses. Children and teens who are overweight or wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more at risk. Heat-related illness can occur in 2 ways, exertional and nonexertional.
Heat-related illness includes the following conditions based on the severity of a child's condition:
What are heat cramps?Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness. These are painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat. What is heat exhaustion?Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. It's caused by a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion happens when the body can't cool itself correctly. If left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke. What is heat stroke?Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness. It occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. The skin may be dry if the ability to sweat has been lost. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical care. Symptoms and first-aid measures for heat injuriesThe chart below contains the most common symptoms of heat-related illness. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's doctor and may include some, or more, of the following: Condition Symptoms First-aid and treatment Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
How can heat stroke be prevented?Here are some general guidelines to help protect your child from heat-related illnesses:
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