Beat the heat in children by Cool and Run Strategy: Dr Deepika Rustogi

Report@gauravpandey

Heat stroke in children: symptoms & Prevention

Dr Deepika Rustogi

Heat stroke is a serious condition, the spectrum ranging from heat exhaustion to classical heat stroke. It can happen when outside temperature rises above 35^◦C. With the current heat waves in northern India, we have been experiencing scorching heat in Delhi NCR with temperatures rising close to 50 ^◦C, so are the cases of heat stroke. Elderly people, chronically ill persons and prepubertal children are amongst the most high risk groups. Children are at higher risk of heat stroke due to their relatively higher body surface area, smaller blood volume, impaired effective heat dissipation capacity and a low sweating rate. It can happen due to continuous exposure to sun while outside, while playing in school playgrounds or at sports camps during summer break. Confinement to a closed car is another important risk factor in babies.

Diagnosis of heatstroke is largely clinical. Typical symptoms include a triad of high body temperature (upto 104 ^◦C), neurologic abnormalities, and recent exposure to hot weather. Children can experience increase in heart beat, headache, giddiness, confusion, vomiting. They usually present with fever, headache and red, dry skin. We are seeing 10-15 children in paediatric OPD everyday with similar complaints.

The primary objective of treatment is alleviation of hyperthermia; so rapid and effective cooling is most critical in management- sometimes called as “cool & run strategy”. This can be achieved by immersion in cold water, taking a cold shower, application of ice packs, or wet towels; and fanning. In severe cases, admission is needed to ensure control of temperature by infusion of cold saline, maintain hydration and monitor for associated complications.

Preventive measures are more important given the current weather situation. Avoid hot times of the day, stay indoors as much as possible, avoiding strenuous activity or sports in hot environment, maintain a proper hydration regimen, carry your own water bottle always while stepping outside, wear comfortable cotton clothes and use of umbrella can be some useful tips. Heatstroke can be a life-threatening condition if it is not promptly recognized and effectively treated. So please pay attention to these simple easy tips and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion related complications in your children.

Writer of this Article is Dr Deepika Rustogi, MD Pediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology

SEAP Royal college of Canada

Senior Consultant Neonatology & Paediatrics

Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital, Kaushambi