Toddler Heat Stroke - Rash, Dehydration, Frostbite, Symptoms, Causes

Toddler Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Preventing Heat Stroke in Toddlers

Toddler heat stroke is a serious condition which can become fatal if uncared for. Children, especially babies and toddlers, are susceptible to heat stroke if exposed to extreme hot weather and get dehydrated. In heat stroke, the body's temperature rises faster than the body's ability to cool down. A combination of heat and dehydration worsens the situation. The body temperature rises to 105 °F without any sweat to cool it down

Symptoms of heat stroke in toddlers

The toddler may initially experience heat exhaustion which is milder with symptoms like thirst, leg or stomach cramps, and fatigue. The skin will feel cool and moist. This can lead to a heat stroke when your toddler's body temperature rises to 103 °F or higher. This is accompanied by hot, dry and red skin, headaches, muscle cramps, dry mouth and eyes, vomiting, general confusion, decreased amount of urine that is dark in color with a strong odor, rapid shallow breathing, and extreme restlessness. The nausea in the child may be more overpowering and might make the child less thirsty.

How to prevent heat stroke in toddlers

When it comes to heat stroke in toddlers, the best answer lies in protecting them from heat stroke. Give the child plenty of fluids when the weather is generally hot. Remember to keep the child hydrated as summer begins and the child is getting adjusted to the weather. Dress the toddler in loose, lightweight clothes that fully cover him. Try not to leave him outdoors for too long. If the child is a little tired and exhausted by staying outdoors, keep him inside the house and make him rest well and give him fluids to prevent dehydration. When you take him out, remember, never leave him in the car as the temperature in the car tends to rise faster than it does outside.

In case, the child shows signs of heat exhaustion, take the child to a shaded area, take off the clothes and place him in a cool bath. Avoid making the water too cold as it might lead to shivering and fever.

If you recognise that the child has heat stroke, call for emergency medical attention and while you wait for help to arrive, allow him to rest. Keep him covered in cool damp clothes or sponge the body with a wash cloth and fan him. Do not give him fluids even if you are tempted and do give any medication to reduce the body temperature. If you are out of your home seek the shelter of a library or shopping mall to prevent further exhaustion.