With the mercury soaring without control, Chennai hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of heat stroke cases with most of them being children. Heat stroke could be a potentially dangerous problem if not recognized and treated early.
Children being particularly vulnerable, it is all the more important to recognize the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and stroke early so that appropriate steps could be initiated. The younger they are, higher the risk, warns Dr. Prem Sekar, Pediatric Consultant Cardiologist, Frontier Lifeline Hospital.
Prolonged exposure to extreme hot weather results in loss of body fluids with the result that sweating becomes minimal or absent. This leads to heat exhaustion and if unchecked, eventually to heatstroke due to hyperthemia or overheating of the body.
“The signs to watch out for an impending heat stroke in small babies are irritability, weak cry, progressive drowsiness, parched tongue, clammy skin with very little or no urine discharge and in later stages progressive lethargy with drowsiness and high fever,” pointed out the doctor. Older children with heat exhaustion experience headaches, muscular aches and cramps, extreme tiredness and dark coloured urine, he added.
When children suffer from a heat stroke they should be taken to a shady place where their clothes should be loosened. “ They should take sips of cool water and a sponge bath would reduce the intensity of the stroke. After first aid they should immediately be taken to a doctor,” said Dr. Sekar.
Heatstroke can be prevented by ensuring that children wear appropriate loose fitting cotton clothing which cover hands and legs fully.
Wearing a hat while going out in the summer sun is essential. “ It is also important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration,” he added.