Attention to Sunstroke in Children!

Sunstroke is one of the most common problems children experience in the summer months! If care is not taken and precautions are not taken, the problem of sunstroke can cause troublesome results.

Let’s see what are the signs of sunstroke, which are especially dangerous for children under the age of 5, what should you do to protect your child from this situation?

How does sunstroke happen?

Sunstroke is a condition in which the body’s heat mechanisms are disrupted and the body temperature rises seriously after spending too much time under the sun. In this case, although the temperature of the body rises due to the sun, the sweating function cannot be achieved, so some problems begin to be experienced in the body.

Sunstroke is especially common at noon, when the sun’s rays hit the earth’s surface perpendicularly.

This situation, also known as “sun exposure” among the people, can cause mild side effects as well as more permanent damage.

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What are the symptoms of sunstroke in children?

• Fatigue after sun exposure
• gait disturbances, dizziness,
• High fever up to 40 degrees (hot coma),
• Severe headache,
• Dry, tense and reddened skin
• inability to sweat,
• Palpitation,
• nausea-vomiting,
• Weakness and cramps in the muscles,
• Conditions such as loss of consciousness are among the symptoms of sunstroke.

The child may not be able to fully express that he or she is experiencing these symptoms, and it is not possible to expect this from him, especially if he is younger. Therefore, if your child has spent a lot of time in the sun, you should observe him and examine whether he shows the above symptoms.

What is good for sunstroke in children? How should first aid be given?

“ What to do in case of sunstroke? Let’s answer the question. If you see the signs of sunstroke mentioned above in your child, it is useful to take these steps:

• Take your child to a cool place immediately.
• Take off any tight clothing, if any.
• To reduce and regulate body temperature, put materials such as ice and coolers on the armpits, behind the knees and on the head. A cold shower can also be helpful.
• Elevate your child’s feet to regulate blood pressure.
• Massage your arms and legs.
• If conscious, drink water. But if it is closed, definitely do not give fluids.
• Do not smell substances such as alcohol or cologne to regain consciousness.

How to treat sunstroke in children?

If your child despite their intervention;

• If the body temperature has not decreased,
• If she is vomiting,
• If he is unconscious, you should definitely apply to a health institution or call 112 and seek emergency help. Because in such cases, if not intervened, conditions such as brain hemorrhage, kidney and heart failure can be seen.

When she applies to a specialist, her child’s body temperature and blood pressure will be checked first. Then the values ​​can be checked with blood and urine analysis. If the symptoms are progressing, the child is given fluid therapy. In this way, the electrolyte and salt balance lost due to the sun is rearranged.

After the treatment, the child can be kept under observation for 1-2 weeks. The purpose of this is to prevent kidney problems that may occur due to sunstroke.

What precautions should be taken against sunstroke?

• Set the hours your child will spend outside. Prevent your child from spending long hours in the sun between 12:00 and 16:00.
• Give your child plenty of water, don’t wait for him to demand it. Because when not enough fluid is taken, the body cannot perform the act of sweating and therefore the body temperature rises uncontrollably. Liquid supplements such as buttermilk and fruit juice may also be beneficial.
• Don’t let your child go outside without sunscreen. This is especially true for babies. Get a suitable baby sunscreen and apply it all over her body.
• Make sure to dress your child in light-colored, cotton and breathable clothes. Avoid clothing containing nylon as much as possible.
• The use of a hat is also very important. A wide- brimmed hat prevents your child’s head from coming into direct contact with the sun.
• Protect your eyes with a quality baby sunglasses .
• Make sure your child takes a shower after spending time in the sun. In this way, the body temperature is balanced.
• Avoid eating heavy foods that contain fat, salt, spices or sugar.
• Prevent your child from putting too much effort in the sun.
• Make sure that he does not spend a long time in environments such as the sea or pool. Use items like hats or a canopy seabed around here.