Dehydration and heat stroke in children in summer: 7 tips to avoid scares
As every year, the end of school is approaching and with it the heat; children, taking advantage of the fact that they have more time, will be more outdoors, and parents will have to be careful and avoid the risks of dehydration and heat stroke.
The most important dangers for children under 5 years of age in summer are heat stroke and dehydration.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration in children?
The example may be: a child under 5 years of age, with fever of 40 °C, with symptoms of dehydration, very hot skin, headache and irritability, together with vomiting, decay and decreased level of consciousness; sometimes they may suffer convulsions. Normally, these children are admitted for a couple of days for observation, since their state of dehydration is usually significant. After these days the child recovers completely and is discharged from the hospital. In the end it is all just a scare, but both the child and the family will remember it for a long time and will avoid risks in the future.
The recommendation of doctors to avoid another heat stroke and dehydration is the use of an easy-to-prepare oral rehydration salts (ORS) that does not need to be cold so that it can be transported without concern. In addition, children should avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day.
How can I protect my children from heat stroke and dehydration?
In young children, the proportion of water in their bodies is higher and its balance less regulated than in adults, so they are more sensitive to dehydration. In addition, their body temperature regulation mechanism is not mature, and they can be affected by heat stroke, since sweating in many cases is not yet efficient. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself and control its normal temperature of 36.5 °C, either because the ambient temperature is high or because the body generates too much heat, for example during excessive physical activity. 
Dehydration, caused by intense sweating, facilitates heat stroke.
Young children, especially infants and children under 4 years of age, are highly exposed because they have a larger body surface area, relative to their weight, than adults. In addition, their body contains more water and they have less or no autonomy to rehydrate. All of this leads not only to greater severity and risk of heat illness, but also to greater susceptibility to dehydration, which worsens and facilitates heat stroke.
The thirst reflex is not fully developed in young children, so it is essential to know how to identify the signs of dehydration: loss of about 5% of their weight, urinating less than usual, having very dry and hard stools, when the skin is very dry and pale (somewhat grayish), with sunken eyes and a dry mouth, when they are less active than usual.
For any of these symptoms, it is essential to take the child to a health center to be evaluated by a pediatrician. It has been demonstrated that oral rehydration with saline solution is equally or more effective than intravenous rehydration, but in any case it will be the pediatrician who will indicate it.
7 Tips to avoid dehydration and heat stroke:
- If the child still takes a bottle, reinforce with water in small amounts between feedings.
- Keep skin hydrated during the summer to create a protective barrier and prevent moisture loss.
- Increase fruit and vegetable intake in summer, as they contain water and mineral salts.
- Do not subject it to sudden temperature changes or offer it cold liquids.
- Avoid exposing the child to the sun in the middle of the day.
- Dress lightly.
- In case of dehydration, administer oral rehydration serum that is easy to use and transport, and offer it in small sips.