With the onset of summer, everyone is drawn to relax at sea to soak up the hot sand to get a beautiful and even tan. But such gentle, at first glance, the sun's rays are very dangerous, especially for children. Should children be allowed to stay in the open space in the midday heat for a long time? Or is it better to wait a bit in the shade while taking cool baths? How to behave if the child is overheated in the sun? What to do in such situations to provide quick first aid? This will be discussed in the article.
How to determine that a child is overheated in the sun?
The first alarming symptom is the cessation of sweating in the baby. Due to the low fluid content in the body, heat transfer processes are disrupted and the temperature rises. The face turns red, breathing quickens and shortness of breath appears. The child complains of nausea, darkening in the eyes and dizziness. Convulsions, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness may occur. The lips turn blue, the pulse becomes threadlike with a rapid heartbeat. All of these symptoms should be very alert parents. It is very important not to get confused if the child is overheated in the sun. What to do and how not to panic? It is important that you quickly take the measures listed below. The health of the baby depends on how timely the first aid is rendered before the examination by a doctor.
How to act quickly if the child overheats in the sun? What to do first?
- Undress the victim as soon as possible and take him to a cooler place. At least take him out from under the scorching rays into the shadow, where he will be blown by a fresh breeze. The best option is an air-conditioned room. You can also immerse the baby for a while in a slightly cool bath waist-deep. In no case should not be doused with cold water. A sharp change in temperature can only worsen the condition.
- Place the patient in a horizontal position and start rubbing the body. You can apply ice or cooling dressings (for example, a hypothermic package from a car kit) on the head, in the armpits and elbow joints.
- Provide your child with plenty of water. Plain water is often replaced with a weak saline solution (one incomplete teaspoon is taken per liter). It does not hurt to take a few drops of valerian.
- In case of exacerbated symptoms accompanied by respiratory failure with possible loss of consciousness, bring cotton wool slightly moistened with liquid ammonia to the baby’s nose.
Do I need to call a doctor if the child is overheated in the sun? What to do at elevated body temperature?
Even in mild cases, examination by a pediatrician will not hurt. Indeed, at first glance it is impossible to immediately determine how serious the consequences of overheating are. In addition, repeated manifestations of symptoms often occur two to three hours after the child has overheated in the sun. Body temperature may be elevated for several days in a row. This is due to a violation of the processes of heat transfer and thermoregulation. In serious cases (this applies especially to children), it is better to take measures to combat general dehydration of the body in a hospital by injecting saline. The child should definitely be some time after receiving a sunstroke under the supervision of doctors.