Dog Days of summer are upon us Lets have a safe summer
Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide
to Dehydration and Other
Heat Illnesses in Children
These guidelines were developed to help parents and coaches
increase the safety and performance of children who play sports in
hot weather. Children who play sports or are physically active in hot
weather can be at risk for heat illnesses. The good news is heat
illnesses can be prevented and successfully treated.
Children sweat less than adults. This makes it harder for children to
cool off. Parents and coaches must make sure that children take it
slow to be sure they can get used to the heat and humidity
gradually.
There are other reasons why a child may become ill from a heat
illness. Those who have a low level of fitness, who are sick, or who
have suffered from dehydration or heat illness in the past should be
closely watched. A medical professional such as a certified athletic
trainer (ATC) should be on site to monitor the health and safety of
all participants during games and practice, especially when it is very
hot and humid.
Dehydration
Children get dehydrated if they do not replace body fluids lost by sweating. Being even a little
dehydrated can make a child feel bad and play less effectively. Dehydration also puts children at
risk for more dangerous heat illnesses.
Signs and Symptoms
_ Dry mouth
_ Thirst
_ Being irritable or cranky
_ Headache
_ Seeming bored or disinterested
_ Dizziness
_ Cramps
_ Excessive fatigue
_ Child not able to run as fast or play as well as usual
Treatment
_ Move child to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
_ Give him or her fluids to drink.
"When can I play again?"
A child may be active again as soon as he or she is
symptom-free. However, it’s important to continue
to watch the child.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are a mild heat illness that can be easily treated. These intense muscle spasms usually
develop after a child has been exercising for a while and has lost large amounts of fluid and salt
from sweating. While heat cramps are more common in children who perform in the heat, they can
also occur when it’s not hot (for example, during ice hockey or swimming).
Children who sweat a lot or have a high concentration of salt in their sweat may be more likely to
get heat cramps. Heat cramps can largely be avoided by being adequately conditioned, getting used
to the heat and humidity slowly, and being sure a child eats and drinks properly.
Signs and Symptoms
_ Intense pain (not associated with pulling or straining a muscle)
_ Persistent muscle contractions that continue during and after exercise
Treatment
_ The child should be given a sports drink to help replace fluid and sodium losses.
_ Light stretching, relaxation and massage of the cramped muscles may help.
"When can I play again?"
A child may be active again when the cramp has gone away and he or she feels and acts ready to
participate. You can help decrease the risk of recurring heat cramps by checking whether the child
needs to change eating and drinking habits, become more fit, or get better adjusted to the heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness that occurs when a child continues to be physically active
even after he or she starts suffering from ill effects of the heat, like dehydration. The child’s body
struggles to keep up with the demands, leading to heat exhaustion.
Signs and Symptoms
_ Child finds it hard or impossible to keep playing
_ Loss of coordination, dizziness or fainting
_ Dehydration
_ Profuse sweating or pale skin
_ Headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
_ Stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent muscle cramps
Treatment
_ Move child to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
_ Remove any extra clothing and equipment.
_ Cool the child with cold water, fans or cold towels (replace towels frequently).
_ Have child lie comfortably with legs raised above heart level.
_ If the child is not nauseated or vomiting, have him or her drink chilled water or sports drink.
_ The child’s condition should improve rapidly, but if there is little or no improvement, take the
child for emergency medical treatment.
"When can I play again?"
A child should not be allowed to return to play until all symptoms of heat exhaustion and
dehydration are gone. Avoid intense practice in heat until at least the next day, and if heat
exhaustion was severe, wait longer. If the child received emergency medical treatment, he or she
should not be allowed to return until his or her doctor approves and gives specific return-to-play
instructions.
Parents and coaches should rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may predispose the child
for continued problems with heat exhaustion. Correct these problems before the child returns to
full participation in the heat, especially for sports with equipment.