Doctor warns parents about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in children

With summer temperatures soaring and nighttime heat remaining unusually high, children are at increased risk of heat-related illness during outdoor play.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are more sensitive to extreme heat and humidity — and prolonged exposure can escalate from mild discomfort to heat exhaustion and, in the most severe cases, life-threatening heat stroke.

Dr Deepak Ugra, senior consultant in paediatrics at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, spoke to HT Lifestyle about how parents can identify warning signs early and take the right action.

Early signs of heat exhaustion

Dr Ugra explained that heat-related illness does not begin at maximum severity. Children typically show milder warning signs first, particularly after prolonged outdoor activity without sufficient hydration.

He listed the following symptoms to watch for: fever between 100°F and 104°F, clammy skin despite the heat, fainting, dizziness, unusual weakness, headache, excessive sweating, increased thirst, irritability, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Obese children and those with sunburn are among the most vulnerable to heat exhaustion, he noted.

What to do if your child shows symptoms

"Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately, as it can develop into heat stroke," Dr Ugra warned. He recommended the following steps:

Move the child to a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room or vehicle as quickly as possible. Wrap them in a cold, wet towel or place them under a cool shower for around ten minutes — physical cooling is considerably more effective than medication.

Offer cool drinks, particularly those containing electrolytes, to rehydrate the child. Apply a gentle massage or stretch to relieve muscle cramps. If the child becomes drowsy or is unable to drink fluids, take them to the nearest hospital for intravenous fluids without delay.

Why is heat stroke a medical emergency

If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can rapidly progress to heat stroke — a significantly more dangerous condition in which the body generates more heat than it can release, causing core body temperature to rise rapidly.

"It can also cause serious brain damage and if not treated promptly, can lead to death," Dr Ugra said, stressing that heat stroke requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

Prevention advice

The doctor advised that children avoid outdoor exercise during peak sun hours. They should take frequent water breaks, wear light-coloured, lightweight, and moisture-wicking clothing, and if involved in sport or athletic activities, step outside only during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.