Heatstroke in children: how to behave.

During the summer there are people who more than others run the risk of having a sunstroke. Here are some tips on symptoms and remedies for heatstroke in children

Generally our body keeps the body temperature constant regardless of the external temperature. When it is hot we sweat because the evaporation of the drops of sweat from the skin surface allows to disperse heat. In extreme conditions of real heat these systems do not work or fail to maintain an adequate body temperature, so we will have heat injuries (malaise or exhaustion from heat and heat stroke ). The environmental conditions that determine the occurrence of heat stroke are: high external temperature, increased relative humidity (which hinders the evaporation of sweat) and no or reduced ventilation. These three factors mutually reinforce each other, so we may have a discomfort due to not high ambient temperatures, but with high relative humidity and absent ventilation (the so-called heat).

Who suffers the heat the most?

There are people who more than others are at risk of having heat stroke during the summer: among them are children.

How does heat stroke manifest itself?

Feeling faint, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, headache, piloerection (goosebumps) in the chest and upper limbs, chills, frequent breathing, muscle cramps, mental disorders that can go unconscious or be limited to a inconsistency in speaking. The set of these symptoms variously combined with each other represents the exhaustion from heat that precedes the heat stroke, which is characterized by a progressive worsening, with an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C - 41 ° C, delirium, coma or seizures.

How to intervene?

It is very important to recognize the first signs of heat exhaustion: in this phase, in fact, we can avoid complications by looking for a cooler place, stopping physical activity and increasing our water intake. If the symptoms are serious from the beginning or the rescued person has difficulty in recovering, call 118 immediately. In the meantime we must take the person to a shady, cool environment, spray water on the body (the sprayers that are used for the garden or for linen), however wet the body surface with towels; if conscious, the patient must drink water, not other liquids, in small sips and repeatedly; use a fan to facilitate the evaporation of wet skin, place the person lying on his stomach and with the legs raised with respect to the trunk. Finally, if there is an air-conditioned environment, wait for help there.

Symptoms of heat stroke

Hot , red, dry skin (no sweating)

High fever (at least 40 ° C)

Confusion or loss of consciousness

Possible convulsions and state of shock

What to do

1. Call for help immediately

2. Cool the baby as quickly as possible

3. Take him to a cool place and undress him

4. Let him air

5. Apply ice packs to groins and armpits

6. Sponge your body with as cold water as possible or soak it in cold water

7. Give him to drink cold water as much as possible (only if he is conscious)

Symptoms of heat exhaustion that appear gradually

Pale, cold, very sweaty skin

· There is no fever

Dizziness , faintness, weakness

What to do

1. Call a doctor immediately

2. Take the baby to a cool place; lay him down with his feet raised; cover it with fresh, damp cloths

3. Give him glucosaline solutions or water to drink as much as possible

How to defend yourself on particularly sultry days

· Drink more non-alcoholic liquids without waiting to feel thirsty;

Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or very sugary;

Do not drink extremely cold drinks, they can cause abdominal cramps;

· Stay at home in the middle of the day or in an air-conditioned environment or spend hours in public areas that have air conditioning;

· The use of electric fans can be useful;

· Take a bath or shower;

· Wear light and light-colored clothes, with fabrics that do not hinder transpiration;

· Do not leave anyone in a vehicle parked outdoors;

· Check people at risk more frequently (especially children and the elderly) and make sure they stay in a cool environment and take an adequate amount of fluids.