Heatstroke in kids: What to watch for and know
What is heatstroke?
What does heatstroke look like? Is there a visible warning before ‘feeling hot’ escalates to heatstroke?
- Dry and/or flushed skin
- Faster breathing than normal
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Odd behaviors (e.g., saying weird things that don’t make sense; being unusually combative)
- Slurred speech
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Is heatstroke different in children than it is in adults?
Where does heatstroke happen?
What should you do if you think a child has heatstroke?
- Move child to a cooler place (shade, inside a room with air conditioning, or near a fan) to help lower body temperature.
- Remove unnecessary, excess clothing that could trap heat and restrict air circulation.
- Apply cool, damp cloths, sponges, or fans to the child’s neck, armpits, and groin areas, where large blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface to facilitate heat loss.
- If the child is conscious and able to swallow, give them cool liquids to sip (preferably water or electrolyte drinks).
Can heatstroke happen when kids are bundled up too much?
What are the differences among heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and fever?
- Heat exhaustion is serious but can usually be resolved within 30 minutes of actively cooling down.
- Heatstroke is dangerous. It’s an extremely serious health condition that can lead to death. If someone has a fever over 104 F and/or mental symptoms like confusion, slurring, and the like, seek immediate medical help.
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