The World Wide Web is not a substitute for the care of a competent health care provider. Do not read or use the information on this page until you have read and understood our disclaimer policy. Three dangers of summertime are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These are all manifestations of dehydration caused by excessive sweating. It is characterized by severe cramping of the muscles, similar to what is seen with football players during a game.
Treatment is straightforward.
Give your child a cold glass of water every 15 minutes and put him or her in a cool shaded place. Heat cramps are rarely, if ever, serious and unless your child is showing some additional signs of distress, you do not need to contact your physician. In heat exhaustion, the dehydration is somewhat more severe. It is characterized by dizziness, fainting, normal body temperature and sweating. Move your child to a cool, shady place.