Summertime’s here, mommies! That means your kids are definitely going to be playing outside under the heat of the summer sun. Sure, the closest star in our solar system doesn’t pose as much of a threat, but during this hot season, the sun’s UV rays become much more harmful to humans. Due to this phenomenon, you may end up buying medicine for headache and fever for the youngin’s.
Why? Because one of the conditions a child may develop in summer’s high temperatures is heatstroke.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a medical condition where your body continues to rise in temperature after prolonged exposure to the sun or doing a physical activity in hot weather. The yardstick for determining one has heatstroke is when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Celsius or more.
But just how dangerous can heatstroke be to one’s health? Today, we’ll look at several dangers of this condition.
1. Heat cramps
One of the first symptoms of heatstroke is called a heat cramp. In this condition, your arms, legs, and stomach begin to contract spasms due to the intense heat of the weather. Heat cramps are commonly experienced by those exerting physical activity under the heat of the sun.
2. Heat exhaustion
The next level after heat cramps is called heat exhaustion. This is when the body signals you it is tired and your condition is worsening. Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include lightheadedness, nausea/vomiting, and muscle cramps.
It is interesting to note that both heat cramps and exhaustion can be cured by simply seeking shade, replenishing your body’s lost liquids by drinking cold beverages (water would be the best remedy), and or taking a cool shower.
3. Loss of consciousness
Because of the intense heat, you could pass out or fall into a coma.
4. Failure to self-regulate temperature
The lack of fluids (due to the hot weather) prevents the body from regulating the temperature using sweat. This is why it is important to re-hydrate ones’ self and stay out of the heat for a day at most.
5. Swelling of organs
If left untreated, heatstroke could cause swelling of the body’s internal organs. The enlargement of the organs could either be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition. The swelling could also induce a heart attack, since the arteries become blocked.
6. Death
Perhaps the most dangerous of all risks when it comes to heatstroke is possible death. In the event of a heatstroke-induced heart attack, one may fall into cardiac arrest and die from that. Another reason a person could die from heatstroke is because this serious condition also induces organ failure. If your heart stops pumping, you cease to exist.
Knowledge is power. Now that you know about the negative effects of heatstroke, we hope you are able to inform your children and take preventive measures, such as limiting their exposure to hot environments and letting them hydrate every now and then. As always, let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.