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 athletictrainer (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.
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.
Dissipating Heat
- Primary way that body dissipates heat during exercise is sweating (evaporation).
- Sweating rate is greatly affected by environmental factors humidity and wind.
Non-Environment Factors
- Dehydration – easiest way to monitor is by urine color
- Barriers to Dehydration – equipment / clothing
- Illness (fever) & History of Heat Illness
- Body Mass / Size – both obese and well muscled athletes
- Physical Condition
- Excessive or Dark Colored Clothing
Heat Cramps
- Least Serious of Heat Illnesses
- Muscle spasms caused by sodium/electrolyte loss through excessive sweating and lack of hydration
- Treatment: Mild stretching, ice massage, sports drink, relaxed position in shade/cool area
Heat Exhaustion
- Inability to continue exercising due to heavy sweating, dehydration, sodium loss, or energy depletion
- Signs & Symptoms
- Dehydration, Dizziness, Headache & Nausea
- Decreased urine output
- Profuse sweating & Pale Skin
- Cool clammy skin
- MINIMAL COGNITIVE CHANGES
Treatment
- Remove equipment/clothing
- Replace fluids (ingestion or if needed by IV)
- Fans, Ice Towels, Ice Bags
- Cool shaded area
- Transfer to medical care facility if no recovery
Exertional Heat Stroke
- MEDICAL EMERGENCY!!! CAN CAUSE DEATH!!!
- Seek medical treatment immediately, call 911
- Failure and shutdown of body’s thermoregulatory system
- Signs & Symptoms
- Body Core Temp of 104°
- Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dehydration, Vomiting, Diarrhea
- Irrational Behavior, Confusion, Emotional Instability, Hysteria, Irritability, Delirium,
- Staggering, Seizures
- Loss of Consciousness
- Hot Wet or Dry Skin
Treatment
- Cool as rapidly as possible, preferably with full body immersion in water 35° to 59°
- Fluids orally or intravenously
- Transport ASAP to nearest medical facility