Also, children's bodies adjust to hot conditions slowly. Some heat-related injuries and illnesses to watch for are sunburn, burns from hot surfaces, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Dehydration occurs when children lose more fluid than they take in. Our bodies lose fluid each day through breathing, perspiration, and urination, and this water must be replaced continuously. During hot weather or when exercising, we perspire more and lose more fluid, so it is important to replace this by drinking extra water.
Heat exhaustion occurs when children get hot and lose too much fluid through sweating.
A child with heat exhaustion may even faint. If a child has these symptoms, move him to a cool place such as an air-conditioned building or vehicle. If he is awake, you may give sips of cool water or juice while he rests. If the child does not feel better in a few minutes, or if his temperature goes up, call for emergency help. The child may be suffering from heat stroke.