Healthy Kids: Heat injuries

Author: WINK NEWS
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Summer is finally upon us. For our children in camps, sports and band practice, keeping hydrated and healthy can be tricky.

Here to discuss with us about heat related injuries is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul.

Heat Cramps:

Caused by not drinking adequate fluids
Not being acclimated to local heat and humidity
Poorly conditioned
Usually involves the arms, abdomen or legs
Involves sweating profusely
Treatment:  rest in cool environment, stretching, fluids

—————
Heat Exhaustion:

Feel weak, faint, dizzy, and nauseous
May vomit and appear pale
Syncope
Sweat profusely, or not at all if dehydrated severely
Body temperature is normal
Ineffective cardiovascular and autonomic response to heat.
Treatment:  Cool fluids and cool environment, cool compress
fans, IV if unable to drink
——————
Heat Stroke:

Most often seen in long-distance runners
Second-most common cause of death in football players
Most common when temperature >95 and humidity >50%
High temperature in the body
Hot and dry skin
Irritability, combativeness, disorientation, unresponsiveness
Tachycardia and hypotension
Treatment:  Ice-water soaked towels or wet sheets with fans
Go to the ER
——————

Prevention:

Water is usually adequate
0.5 Liters of fluid per hour of exercise
Thirst is not a reliable indicator of hydration
Do not use salt tablets

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.