Sinusitis

Heatstroke after a bath in a child. How to understand that a child has heatstroke and what to do

If a child is overheated, heat stroke and sunstroke - help Children come into our world small and defenseless. It will take years until their body fully adapts to environmental conditions. Thermoregulation in babies at birth is not sufficiently developed. Children quickly lose fluid, sweat, and their body is prone to heat exchange disturbances and overheating.

The child is overheated

Parents should know the symptoms of overheating of the child’s body and be able to provide the baby with the necessary assistance in a timely manner. In the absence of adequate action, the life and health of the baby is in serious danger.

Overheating can happen to a child at any time of the year.. The most dangerous season is summer. This period is characterized by increased solar activity, the air reaches critically high levels.

The risk group includes fair-haired children who are prone to being overweight, and children under 3 years of age. It is especially necessary to closely monitor the condition of infants in the first year of life.

Symptoms of overheating in children

Depending on the type of nervous system, the baby may behave differently. The most likely picture of overheating:

First aid for baby overheating

It is worth noting that children under 3 years old get overheated quite often. The reason for this is that young parents do not follow the rules for caring for babies. An extra warm blouse worn by a child, a heater near the baby’s crib, or hot water in the bath can cause him to feel unwell.

If a child overheats, first aid measures must be taken. In the absence of timely correct actions, heat stroke may develop - a condition that threatens the life of a small person.

Rules for providing assistance in case of overheating:

When given the right help, in most cases of overheating, children do not need specialized medical care or treatment. Parents should carefully monitor the condition of the babies for 3 to 5 days. If you have questions regarding the child’s health, you should contact your pediatrician.

Heat stroke in a child

Heatstroke is a fairly serious condition that can occur to a baby as a result of prolonged overheating. The cause of a serious condition may be: excessive heat, wrapping the child in warm and synthetic clothing, staying in a stuffy, closed room for a long time, keeping the baby in the shade on a very hot day, consuming a small amount of liquid. To treat this unpleasant condition, it is imperative to seek medical help.

Hurry up to help!

The symptoms of heat stroke are similar in description to the symptoms of overheating, the difference is a significant deterioration in the child’s condition. The following picture can be observed:

If you notice symptoms of heatstroke in a child, you need to act immediately.

Step by step guide:

Monitor the child's condition carefully. If the baby feels better, do not allow him to get up. Wait for the medical team, entrust the treatment to the doctors. As a rule, after heatstroke, children require hospitalization and specialist supervision. Depending on the severity of the blow, treatment can take from 1 to 3 – 4 weeks.

Sunstroke in a child

Sunstroke can happen to a child as a result of prolonged exposure to the rays of the open sun during solar activity hours. This condition can seriously affect the child's health and can cause his death.

The symptoms of sunstroke are very similar to heatstroke. They may appear immediately or after exposure to high temperatures after 4 to 6 hours. May be observed:

Parents' tactics. Everyone should know this!

Parents need to provide first aid in time, before the medical team arrives. Every second in this case is very important and can cost the child’s life.

Sunstroke is a dangerous condition and poses a real threat to the lives of children. The risk group includes children under 3 years of age.

Attention! In case of overheating, heatstroke and sunstroke, it is not allowed to use antipyretics. They will not relieve the fever, but can cause complications!

The holiday season is ahead. Over the winter, we all missed the sun and warmth. But the sun and heat are not as harmless as they seem at first glance. Even in our latitudes, no one is safe from sun and heatstroke. Especially when it comes to children.

Today we’ll talk about a topic that is very relevant for all parents in the summer: heat and sunstroke. Moreover, the relevance remains regardless of where you go on vacation with your children - at sea or in the country.

Let's look at the causes and symptoms of heat and sunstroke, first aid, and, of course, prevention of such conditions.

The consequences of overheating are often underestimated by parents. Heat stroke in a child is a serious problem. The insidiousness of this condition is that the first symptoms of the disease can be perceived as the onset of a cold or simple malaise and fatigue.

Late diagnosis always leads to an advanced condition and, consequently, to serious consequences that require serious treatment. That’s why every parent needs to know everything about overheating of the body and measures to prevent it.

What is heat and sunstroke?

Heat stroke is a pathological condition in which all thermoregulation processes in the body are disrupted due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. That is, a large amount of heat comes from outside. Additionally, heat is produced in the body itself (the heat production mechanism works), but there is no heat transfer.

Heatstroke can develop outside in hot weather, in a hotly heated room. This can also happen in conditions where the ambient temperature is not very high, if the child is wrapped up very warmly.

Sunstroke is a separate form of heatstroke. This condition is characterized by impaired health due to exposure to direct sunlight directly on the child's head.

Young children are especially susceptible to this condition. In children, thermoregulation processes are still imperfect due to their age. They often develop heatstroke even at low ambient temperatures. Also in young children the disease progresses rapidly.

In infants, the diagnosis of overheating is complicated by the fact that children cannot complain or tell what is bothering them. And the symptoms of a child overheating are nonspecific. Lethargy, capricious behavior, tearfulness can be for various reasons. These symptoms may not always be immediately associated with overheating. Therefore, it is very important to protect babies from the sun and heat, and indeed from any overheating.

Causes of overheating

Although sunstroke is considered a special form of heatstroke, they are not identical. If only because they have different causes.

In other words, if a child is in the shade in hot weather with a hat, then he will not have sunstroke, but he is not immune from developing heatstroke.

The cause of heat stroke is general overheating of the entire body due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Due to overheating, a breakdown occurs in the functioning of the thermoregulation center in the diencephalon. The body actively produces heat, but cannot give it away.

Heat loss normally occurs mainly through the production of sweat. Sweat, evaporating from the surface of the skin, cools the human body.

Additional options for heat transfer are the expenditure of energy (heat) to warm the inhaled air and expand the blood capillaries at the surface of the skin (the person blushes).

During hot weather, little heat is spent on warming the inhaled air. And two other thermoregulation mechanisms work. If we don’t interfere with them, of course...

What should I do to avoid interfering? It's simple! Firstly, parents should pay special attention to ensuring that the child has something to sweat with and that his clothes allow the sweat to evaporate.

There is one more nuance here. Liquid (in this case, sweat) evaporates if the surrounding air is drier than the layer of air directly next to the body, under clothing. When humidity is high, sweat flows in a stream, but does not evaporate. Simple laws of physics apply. Consequently, skin cooling does not occur.

Plus, to prevent overheating, clothing should be loose so that heat from the dilated blood capillaries is freely removed from the skin.

Let’s summarize what has been said and add something, systematically answering the question: “What leads to a violation of heat transfer?”

So, the following factors complicate heat transfer and cooling of the body:

heat (air temperature above 30°C). At temperatures above 36°C, heat is not removed from the surface of the skin at all, and sweat does not evaporate;
high air humidity;
improperly dressed (dressed too warmly or wearing synthetic clothing in which the skin cannot breathe and sweat does not evaporate or absorb);
prolonged exposure to the sun (no shade);
intense physical activity in the heat;
deficiency of fluid intake (the child drinks little);
Excess subcutaneous fat in plump children interferes with the release of heat.
fair-skinned, fair-haired children tolerate heat less well;
taking antiallergic (antihistamine) drugs slows down heat transfer;
disruption of the heat transfer process may occur due to pathology of the central nervous system or due to the physiological immaturity of the thermoregulation system in infants.

Heatstroke can also develop in children who are in a closed car in the heat or during a traffic jam, when the car is practically motionless. When the air temperature outside is about 32-33°C, the temperature inside the car can rise to 50°C within 15-20 minutes.

Now let's talk about sunstroke. It is a consequence of exposure to direct rays of the sun on a person’s head. That is, the cause of sunstroke can be expressed in a simple phrase: “My head is hot.”

The time for symptoms of sunstroke to appear varies. It happens that something wrong is felt immediately while being in the sun. But often the symptoms of sunstroke develop delayed, 6-9 hours after returning from a walk in direct sunlight.

Main signs of heat stroke

In the clinic, heat stroke can be divided into three degrees of severity.

In mild cases, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and dilated pupils appear. The skin is moist.

Even with a mild form of heatstroke, you should definitely consult a doctor. If help was provided to the child on time, hospitalization is usually not necessary.

Moderate heat stroke is characterized by an increasing headache combined with nausea and vomiting. The skin is red. Temperature increases to 40°C are typical. Heart rate and respiratory rate increase.

The child has pronounced adynamia (reluctance to move). Confused consciousness occurs, a state of stupefaction occurs, and the baby’s movements are uncertain. Pre-syncope or brief loss of consciousness may occur.

A severe form is indicated by loss of consciousness, a coma-like state, and the appearance of convulsions. Psychomotor agitation, hallucinations, and confusion of speech may also develop.

On examination, the skin is dry and hot. The temperature reaches 42°C, the pulse is weak and frequent (up to 120-130 beats per minute). Breathing is frequent, shallow, intermittent. A short-term cessation of breathing is possible. Heart sounds are muffled.

Main symptoms of sunstroke

Weakness, lethargy, headache, accompanied by nausea and vomiting are pronounced.

Often one of the first signs of a stroke is vomiting or diarrhea. Older children complain of ringing in the ears and flashing of flies. The baby's body temperature rises.

The skin is red, especially on the face and head. The pulse is frequent and weak, breathing is rapid. Increased sweating is observed. Nosebleeds often occur.

Symptoms of severe damage are similar to those of heatstroke (loss of consciousness, disorientation, rapid and then slow breathing, convulsive muscle contractions).

Doctors identify another concept when heat exchange is disrupted - heat exhaustion. This condition may precede the development of a more serious pathological condition - heat stroke. Thus, we can say that heat exhaustion is a pre-heat stroke.

If heat exhaustion is not diagnosed in a timely manner or treated adequately, the process can progress and lead to disastrous consequences, sometimes even fatal.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in comparison table:

Symptoms	Heat exhaustion	Heatstroke
Complexion	Pale	Red with bright blush
Leather	Wet, sticky	Dry, hot to the touch
Thirst	Pronounced	May already be missing
Sweating	Enhanced	Reduced
Consciousness	Possible fainting	Confused, possible loss of consciousness, disorientation
Headache	Characteristic	Characteristic
Body temperature	Normal or slightly elevated	High, sometimes 40°C and above
Breath	Normal	Rapid, superficial
Heartbeat	Rapid, weak pulse	Rapid, pulse is barely traceable
Convulsions	Rarely	Present

First aid for overheating

Move baby to a shaded or cool, ventilated area. Try to keep the space around the victim open. It is necessary to exclude mass gatherings of people (onlookers). Call an ambulance.
Place the child in a horizontal position.
If consciousness is impaired, the legs should be in an elevated position. Place clothing or a towel under your ankles. This will increase blood flow to the brain.
If nausea or vomiting has already begun, turn your head to the side so that the child does not choke on vomit.
Remove your baby's outer clothing. Release your neck and chest. It is better to remove thick or synthetic clothing altogether.
The child must be thoroughly fed with water. Give water in small portions, but often. The water should not be very cold, as this can cause stomach cramps and vomiting. It is better to drink mineral water or special salt solutions (Regidron, Normohydron). The baby loses salts through sweat. Due to their rapid mass loss, the concentration of electrolytes in the body decreases. This may cause seizures. Saline solutions quickly restore the water-electrolyte composition
Wet any cloth with cool water and apply it to the forehead, neck or back of the head. Wipe your baby's body with a wet cloth. You can gradually pour more and more water over your body with a temperature of about 20°C. You cannot suddenly bring a hot baby into the water (sea, pond).
Then apply a cold compress (a bag or bottle of cold water) to your forehead or back of your head. A very small child can be wrapped in a wet diaper or sheet.
Provide fresh air. Fan it with a fan-like motion.
If the baby's consciousness becomes clouded, carefully let him sniff a cotton ball soaked in 10% ammonia (available in any car first aid kit).
In an emergency situation, when the baby stops breathing, when the medical team has not yet arrived, you need to save the child yourself. You will have to remember what was taught in medical or military training classes. You need to tilt the child's head back slightly so that the chin moves forward. One hand should be placed on the chin and the other should cover the child's nose. Take a breath. Release air into the baby's mouth for 1-1.5 seconds, clasping the baby's lips tightly. Make sure your baby's chest rises. This way you will understand that the air went into the lungs. After suffering from heat illness, it is simply necessary to adhere to bed rest for several days. These recommendations should not be violated. After all, a small organism needs this time to restore the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and to normalize some metabolic processes.

10 main rules for preventing thermal disorders

Parents should always remember about measures to prevent such conditions. Children are a risk group. They can experience heatstroke or sunstroke even with short exposure to the sun or in a stuffy, hot room.

It is better to prevent thermal disorders in children in advance.

When walking in sunny weather, dress your child in light-colored clothes made from natural fabrics. White color reflects the sun's rays. Loose natural fabrics allow the body to breathe and sweat to evaporate.
Always protect your baby's head with a light-colored panama hat or a hat with a brim. For older children, protect their eyes with tinted glasses.
Avoid resting during the sunniest hours. These are hours from 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock, and in the southern regions - even from 10 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening.
The child should not be in direct sunlight, that is, in open areas. It should be in the shade (under an umbrella, the sandbox should have a roof).
Plan your vacation so that your child does not have intense physical activity in the heat (trampoline jumping, air slides, excursions).
Alternate sunbathing (up to 20 minutes) with swimming. It is better to sunbathe while on the move, and only in the morning and evening. Under no circumstances should a child spend his afternoon nap on the beach.
Children are strictly prohibited from sunbathing, so do not insist that your child lie on the beach (sunbathe) with you. Don't be outraged that he can't lie or sit quietly for more than three seconds))
Children should drink a lot! Under normal conditions, a child should drink 1-1.5 liters of liquid. When the air temperature rises above 30 degrees, this volume can amount to up to 3 liters of water. Maintaining fluid balance is one of the important measures to prevent heat illness. Even breastfed infants need additional water. It will be more convenient for mommy to give it not through a spoon, but from a syringe without a needle. In this case, you need to direct the stream of water along the wall of the cheek. That way he won't spit it out. Otherwise, he will definitely do it. He will quickly realize that this is not mother’s milk at all, but something much less tasty... Although it must be said that some children drink water very willingly.
Periodically wipe your baby's face and hands with a wet diaper. Wash your baby more often. This will help cool him down and wash away the irritating sweat that instantly causes prickly heat in children.
Proper nutrition in the heat is also worth paying attention to. In hot weather, you should not eat heavily. Children, as a rule, do not want to eat during sunny hours. Give your child the opportunity to snack on juicy fruits and vegetables, and light milk products. Move a full meal to the evening. In hot weather, do not rush to go outside immediately after eating. At best, this can be done only after an hour.
If you have the slightest suspicion of feeling unwell or unwell, immediately stop walking or relaxing on the beach. Seek medical attention.

These simple rules will help you and your children enjoy sunny weather without fear for their health. May the sun be your joy!

Heatstroke is a pathological condition of the body (child or adult), which occurs due to the harmful effects on a person of excessively hot air, as well as solar (infrared) radiation.

Overheating most often occurs in young children. This fact is due to the fact that their body thermoregulation is not fully developed, and due to long exposure to the sun it can easily be disrupted.

The above signs of overheating of the body are most likely with this phenomenon. But symptoms of heat stroke in children can also manifest themselves as follows:

thirst, lethargy, weakness, fatigue;
yawning, dizziness, headache, tinnitus;
darkening of the eyes;
loss of coordination, unclear movements;
belching, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting;
profuse bleeding from the nose.

Heat stroke: treatment at home

If there are clear signs of body overheating, experts recommend taking one of the following herbal medications:

"Belladonna" (one dose every 16 minutes 5-7 times).
"Cuprum metallicum" (one dose every 30 minutes).
"Natrum carbonicum" (one dose every 30 minutes).

first aid for a child

Many parents underestimate the dangers of heat stroke, but in vain - the length of time a child spends in the open sun during the summer season must be strictly controlled

What is heatstroke?

outside in the summer heat;

Causes of Heat Stroke

excess weight;
pathologies of the central nervous system;

Signs in a baby

baby crying loudly;
poor appetite;
general weakness, apathy.

Symptoms in children over one year of age

dizziness;
headache;
strong feeling of thirst;
increased body temperature;
skin redness;
dry lips;
sudden attacks of vomiting;
nausea;
general weakness.

Heat stroke treatment

How to help a baby?

Treatment of children 2-3 years old

hormonal agents;

Consequences of hyperthermia

Causes of overheating

high air humidity;

Complexion	Pale	Red with bright blush
Leather	Wet, sticky	Dry, hot to the touch
Thirst	Pronounced	May already be missing
Sweating	Enhanced	Reduced
Consciousness	Possible fainting
Headache	Characteristic	Characteristic
Body temperature		High, sometimes 40°C and above
Breath	Normal	Rapid, superficial
Heartbeat	Rapid, weak pulse
Convulsions	Rarely	Present

First aid for overheating

What is heatstroke?

warm clothes;

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

low sweating;
rapid pulse and breathing;
pallor;
loss of consciousness;
weakness, vomiting.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

monitor his activity;

Summer is a long-awaited time for every child. At this time of year, especially on hot days, children spend a lot of time outside, so parents should be aware that prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to heatstroke. It is very important to know how to prevent heatstroke and what to do if this trouble does occur to your child.

Many parents underestimate the dangers of heat stroke, but in vain - the length of time a child spends in the open sun during the summer season must be strictly controlled. What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a pathological condition of a person that occurs under the influence of high temperatures, in which the process of thermoregulation is disrupted. The body receives a large amount of heat from the outside, in addition to that generated as a result of vital activity, which leads to overheating.

Heatstroke can be caused by prolonged exposure to:

outside in the summer heat;
in a room with high air temperature;
wearing clothes that are too warm and out of season.

Causes of Heat Stroke

The main reason is severe overheating of the body. When you spend a long time in a hot room or outside in the summer heat, a malfunction occurs in the part of the brain responsible for thermoregulation. The heat generated by a person accumulates in the body and cannot be released.

The process of heat transfer in humans occurs when sweat is produced, which evaporates, cooling the body. Heat is also released when cold air is inhaled and capillaries located close to the surface of the skin expand. In summer, the air temperature is high, which means that the body does not release heat to warm it. Other types of thermoregulation do their job well if you do not interfere with them.

In order to protect a child from overheating, it is necessary to ensure that he has something to quench his thirst, and that clothing does not prevent the evaporation of sweat. Liquid from the surface of the body evaporates only if the ambient air is drier than the air under clothing. With high humidity, sweat does not evaporate, but flows down in a stream, while the surface of the skin does not cool. Clothing should not be too tight to the body so as not to interfere with heat dissipation.

The main factors preventing heat transfer are:

air temperature exceeding body temperature, at which heat is not removed from the body;
high air humidity values;
synthetic or too warm clothes;
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the body;
physical activity in the summer heat;
excess weight;
fair-skinned children are more likely to overheat;
pathologies of the central nervous system;
unstable thermoregulation system.

Symptoms in children at different ages

Signs of hyperthermia in children are more pronounced than in adults, and the clinical condition can deteriorate very quickly.

Overheating causes dehydration and intoxication of the body, which lead to serious complications and pose a threat to the health and life of the child. If characteristic symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms of heatstroke in infants vary. In order to provide timely help to a child and avoid the disease becoming more severe, it is necessary to know how overheating in children manifests itself and how long it lasts.

Signs in a baby

Babies under one year old are often hypothermic and easily overheat, so there is no need to bundle them up in a well-warmed room. Heat stroke can be determined by the following signs:

baby crying loudly;
the face turns red, the temperature rises;
Sticky sweat appears on the tummy and back;
signs of dehydration appear (reddened eyes, dry armpits and lips);
poor appetite;
general weakness, apathy.

In infants, the process of dehydration occurs very quickly, so at the first symptoms of heat stroke you should seek medical help.

If a child develops characteristic symptoms, he needs to provide first aid and go to a medical facility. If heatstroke in an infant is not recognized in time, he may become severely dehydrated and lose consciousness.

Symptoms in children over one year of age

Clothes that are too warm can also cause overheating in children over one year old. This is also facilitated by the increased activity of children, during which their body temperature rises, and clothing does not allow the heat to escape. In unventilated, warm rooms, the likelihood of overheating increases.

In children over 1-2 years old, it is much easier to recognize heatstroke, since the symptoms are more pronounced:

with a mild degree of overheating, children are characterized by increased physical activity, leading to a worsening of the condition;
dizziness;
headache;
strong feeling of thirst;
increased body temperature;
skin redness;
dry lips;
sudden attacks of vomiting;
nausea;
general weakness.

With mild heatstroke, the baby experiences weakness and a constant feeling of thirst, nausea and vomiting are possible. First aid when symptoms appear

At the first symptoms of heatstroke in a child, you should call a doctor. Before their arrival, parents must complete the following steps:

Move the child to a well-ventilated, cool room.
Place the baby on a horizontal surface.
If a child is fainting, you need to raise his legs, after placing a towel or some clothing under them. This position improves blood flow to the head.
If there is severe vomiting, you need to turn the baby's head to the side to ensure air flow to the lungs.
If clothing is made of synthetic materials or restricts movement, it must be completely removed.
To avoid dehydration, the child must be given water to drink. It should be given often in small sips. To restore the salt balance, it is better to give mineral water or saline solutions, such as Regidron, Trihydron, Reosalan - this will help prevent seizures.
Apply any cloth moistened with water to the back of your head and neck. You can also wipe the child’s body with it or gradually pour water at room temperature. You cannot bring a hot baby into a cold body of water.

If you have heatstroke, apply a cold compress to your child's forehead.

You need to apply something cold to your forehead, such as a bottle or bag. The newborn can be completely wrapped in a wet towel or sheet.
For proper breathing, it is necessary to ensure air flow using a fan or newspaper.
In case of fainting, you can give the baby a cotton swab soaked in a solution of ammonia to sniff, which can be found in any car first aid kit.
If a child suddenly stops breathing, if the medical team has not arrived yet, it is necessary to give him artificial respiration. To do this, tilt the baby's head back slightly, cover the baby's nose with one hand, and hold the chin with the other. After taking a deep breath, release air into your mouth for a few seconds. When air enters the lungs, the chest should rise.

Heat stroke treatment

Treatment of hyperthermia begins with providing first aid to the child. After the doctors arrive, the patient is hospitalized and treatment continues in a hospital setting. A child who has suffered heatstroke must be treated. Otherwise, it is very difficult to avoid serious consequences for the baby’s health.

How to help a baby?

The first task of parents in case of heatstroke in a baby is to lower body temperature. To do this, he must be completely undressed or unswaddled.

Then move on to other cooling methods:

wipe the baby’s body with water, the temperature of which should not be lower than 20°C; too cold water can cause a deterioration in the condition;
wrap the newborn in a cold diaper, which needs to be changed every 8-10 minutes;
Place the child in a bath of water at room temperature for 5-7 minutes.

If the procedures are carried out at home, then it is necessary to have an air conditioner or fan running in the room. If first aid is provided on the street, then the patient is transferred to the shade.

After overheating, the newborn is provided with a constant supply of fluid to the body. Every 30 minutes, the baby needs to drink at least 50 ml of water or breast milk. For hyperthermia accompanied by vomiting, the dose of fluid is increased.

If heat stroke is accompanied by cardiac arrest, the infant is given artificial respiration, alternating it with cardiac massage. Each inhalation should be followed by 5 compressions on the lower part of the sternum.

Treatment of children 2-3 years old

For hyperthermia in a 2-3 year old child, treatment is carried out in a similar way. Emergency doctors assess the general condition of the patient and, if necessary, hospitalize him in a hospital.

Treatment of heat stroke depends on its severity; sometimes doctors insist on hospitalization of the child

The drug therapy regimen for children under 4 years of age is as follows:

taking antishock and antipyretic drugs with a dosage appropriate to the child’s age;
intravenous administration of solutions to normalize electrolyte balance in the child’s body;
taking hormonal drugs to improve hemodynamics;
anticonvulsants are prescribed as needed;
in critical situations, tracheal intubation is performed.

Therapy for children over 3 years of age

Children of preschool and school age have more stable thermoregulation, but despite this, they can also get heat stroke if they spend a long time in the sun or in a very hot room. In a hospital setting, therapy is carried out using the following medications:

the drugs Droperidol and Aminazine are administered intravenously according to the instructions;
saline solutions are infused using a dropper to prevent dehydration and normalize electrolyte levels;
cardiotonics normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
hormonal agents;
anticonvulsants Diazepam and Seduxen are used for treatment only when necessary.

Consequences of hyperthermia

In case of hyperthermia, assistance should be provided immediately. If treatment procedures are not carried out in the first hours after the pathology is detected, the child will experience severe complications:

Blood thickening. Occurs due to lack of fluid, leads to heart failure, thrombosis, and heart attack.
Severe form of renal failure. In most cases, it appears under the influence of metabolic products formed in the body at high temperatures.
Respiratory failure. Associated with changes in the part of the brain responsible for respiratory function. With hyperthermia it manifests itself in an acute form.
Damage to the central nervous system, the main symptoms of which are: severe vomiting, fainting, hearing, speech and vision disorders.
Shock is one of the most dangerous conditions that occurs due to dehydration. When there is an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, the blood supply to most internal organs is disrupted.

Let's look at the causes and symptoms of heat and sunstroke, first aid, and, of course, prevention of such conditions.

What is heat and sunstroke?

Heatstroke can develop outside in hot weather, in a hotly heated room. This can also happen in conditions where the ambient temperature is not very high, if the child is wrapped up very warmly.

Sunstroke is a separate form of heatstroke. This condition is characterized by impaired health due to exposure to direct sunlight directly on the child's head.

Causes of overheating

Although sunstroke is considered a special form of heatstroke, they are not identical. If only because they have different causes.

In other words, if a child is in the shade in hot weather with a hat, then he will not have sunstroke, but he is not immune from developing heatstroke.

Heat loss normally occurs mainly through the production of sweat. Sweat, evaporating from the surface of the skin, cools the human body.

Additional options for heat transfer are the expenditure of energy (heat) to warm the inhaled air and expand the blood capillaries at the surface of the skin (the person blushes).

During hot weather, little heat is spent on warming the inhaled air. And two other thermoregulation mechanisms work. If we don’t interfere with them, of course...

Plus, to prevent overheating, clothing should be loose so that heat from the dilated blood capillaries is freely removed from the skin.

Let’s summarize what has been said and add something, systematically answering the question: “What leads to a violation of heat transfer?”

So, the following factors complicate heat transfer and cooling of the body:

heat (air temperature above 30°C). At temperatures above 36°C, heat is not removed from the surface of the skin at all, and sweat does not evaporate;
high air humidity;
improperly dressed (dressed too warmly or wearing synthetic clothing in which the skin cannot breathe and sweat does not evaporate or absorb);
prolonged exposure to the sun (no shade);
intense physical activity in the heat;
deficiency of fluid intake (the child drinks little);
Excess subcutaneous fat in plump children interferes with the release of heat.
fair-skinned, fair-haired children tolerate heat less well;
taking antiallergic (antihistamine) drugs slows down heat transfer;
disruption of the heat transfer process may occur due to pathology of the central nervous system or due to the physiological immaturity of the thermoregulation system in infants.

Main signs of heat stroke

In the clinic, heat stroke can be divided into three degrees of severity.

In mild cases, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and dilated pupils appear. The skin is moist.

Even with a mild form of heatstroke, you should definitely consult a doctor. If help was provided to the child on time, hospitalization is usually not necessary.

A severe form is indicated by loss of consciousness, a coma-like state, and the appearance of convulsions. Psychomotor agitation, hallucinations, and confusion of speech may also develop.

Main symptoms of sunstroke

Weakness, lethargy, headache, accompanied by nausea and vomiting are pronounced.

Often one of the first signs of a stroke is vomiting or diarrhea. Older children complain of ringing in the ears and flashing of flies. The baby's body temperature rises.

The skin is red, especially on the face and head. The pulse is frequent and weak, breathing is rapid. Increased sweating is observed. Nosebleeds often occur.

Symptoms of severe damage are similar to those of heatstroke (loss of consciousness, disorientation, rapid and then slow breathing, convulsive muscle contractions).

If heat exhaustion is not diagnosed in a timely manner or treated adequately, the process can progress and lead to disastrous consequences, sometimes even fatal.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in comparison table:

Complexion	Pale	Red with bright blush
Leather	Wet, sticky	Dry, hot to the touch
Thirst	Pronounced	May already be missing
Sweating	Enhanced	Reduced
Consciousness	Possible fainting	Confused, possible loss of consciousness, disorientation
Headache	Characteristic	Characteristic
Body temperature	Normal or slightly elevated	High, sometimes 40°C and above
Breath	Normal	Rapid, superficial
Heartbeat	Rapid, weak pulse	Rapid, pulse is barely traceable
Convulsions	Rarely	Present

First aid for overheating

Move baby to a shaded or cool, ventilated area. Try to keep the space around the victim open. It is necessary to exclude mass gatherings of people (onlookers). Call an ambulance.
Place the child in a horizontal position.
If consciousness is impaired, the legs should be in an elevated position. Place clothing or a towel under your ankles. This will increase blood flow to the brain.
If nausea or vomiting has already begun, turn your head to the side so that the child does not choke on vomit.
Remove your baby's outer clothing. Release your neck and chest. It is better to remove thick or synthetic clothing altogether.
The child must be thoroughly fed with water. Give water in small portions, but often. The water should not be very cold, as this can cause stomach cramps and vomiting. It is better to drink mineral water or special salt solutions (Regidron, Normohydron). The baby loses salts through sweat. Due to their rapid mass loss, the concentration of electrolytes in the body decreases. This may cause seizures. Saline solutions quickly restore the water-electrolyte composition
Wet any cloth with cool water and apply it to the forehead, neck or back of the head. Wipe your baby's body with a wet cloth. You can gradually pour more and more water over your body with a temperature of about 20°C. You cannot suddenly bring a hot baby into the water (sea, pond).
Then apply a cold compress (a bag or bottle of cold water) to your forehead or back of your head. A very small child can be wrapped in a wet diaper or sheet.
Provide fresh air. Fan it with a fan-like motion.
If the baby's consciousness becomes clouded, carefully let him sniff a cotton ball soaked in 10% ammonia (available in any car first aid kit).
In an emergency situation, when the baby stops breathing, when the medical team has not yet arrived, you need to save the child yourself. You will have to remember what was taught in medical or military training classes. You need to tilt the child's head back slightly so that the chin moves forward. One hand should be placed on the chin and the other should cover the child's nose. Take a breath. Release air into the baby's mouth for 1-1.5 seconds, clasping the baby's lips tightly. Make sure your baby's chest rises. This way you will understand that the air went into the lungs. After suffering from heat illness, it is simply necessary to adhere to bed rest for several days. These recommendations should not be violated. After all, a small organism needs this time to restore the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and to normalize some metabolic processes.

10 main rules for preventing thermal disorders

It is better to prevent thermal disorders in children in advance.

When walking in sunny weather, dress your child in light-colored clothes made from natural fabrics. White color reflects the sun's rays. Loose natural fabrics allow the body to breathe and sweat to evaporate.
Always protect your baby's head with a light-colored panama hat or a hat with a brim. For older children, protect their eyes with tinted glasses.
Avoid resting during the sunniest hours. These are hours from 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock, and in the southern regions - even from 10 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening.
The child should not be in direct sunlight, that is, in open areas. It should be in the shade (under an umbrella, the sandbox should have a roof).
Plan your vacation so that your child does not have intense physical activity in the heat (trampoline jumping, air slides, excursions).
Alternate sunbathing (up to 20 minutes) with swimming. It is better to sunbathe while on the move, and only in the morning and evening. Under no circumstances should a child spend his afternoon nap on the beach.
Children are strictly prohibited from sunbathing, so do not insist that your child lie on the beach (sunbathe) with you. Don't be outraged that he can't lie or sit quietly for more than three seconds))
Children should drink a lot! Under normal conditions, a child should drink 1-1.5 liters of liquid. When the air temperature rises above 30 degrees, this volume can amount to up to 3 liters of water. Maintaining fluid balance is one of the important measures to prevent heat illness. Even breastfed infants need additional water. It will be more convenient for mommy to give it not through a spoon, but from a syringe without a needle. In this case, you need to direct the stream of water along the wall of the cheek. That way he won't spit it out. Otherwise, he will definitely do it. He will quickly realize that this is not mother’s milk at all, but something much less tasty... Although it must be said that some children drink water very willingly.
Periodically wipe your baby's face and hands with a wet diaper. Wash your baby more often. This will help cool him down and wash away the irritating sweat that instantly causes prickly heat in children.
Proper nutrition in the heat is also worth paying attention to. In hot weather, you should not eat heavily. Children, as a rule, do not want to eat during sunny hours. Give your child the opportunity to snack on juicy fruits and vegetables, and light milk products. Move a full meal to the evening. In hot weather, do not rush to go outside immediately after eating. At best, this can be done only after an hour.
If you have the slightest suspicion of feeling unwell or unwell, immediately stop walking or relaxing on the beach. Seek medical attention.

These simple rules will help you and your children enjoy sunny weather without fear for their health. May the sun be your joy!

Heat stroke does not only occur when exposed to direct sunlight. Overheating of the body is formed under the influence of high ambient temperature.

Prolonged stay in a bathhouse, sauna, exposure to direct sunlight are factors leading to disruption of the central core of thermogenesis - the hypothalamus. This organ is responsible for the interaction between heat production systems and sweating.

Manifestations, signs and symptoms

Long walks in the fresh air, visiting beaches, or working in hot conditions can cause heat stroke.

Prolonged overheating of the body should not be allowed. Children have unstable thermoregulation systems, so even slight overheating can contribute to cerebral edema - this is a life-threatening condition. Against the background of hyperthermia, dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and water-salt imbalance occur. With the long-term existence of such pathophysiological disorders, death is likely to occur.

It is advisable not to cause heatstroke in a child to avoid dangerous consequences.

Early and late signs of heat stroke in children

Against the background of accelerated biochemical reactions, dehydration of the body occurs, accompanied by excessive loss of fluid. Early signs of fluid loss:

Thirst;
Dry mouth;
Sticky saliva;
Decreased urination, appearance of yellowish discharge from the urethra.

With moderate hyperthermia, the following signs of the disease appear:

lacrimation;
Dry mouth;
Thirst;
Brown urine;
Headaches and dizziness;
Restless behavior;
Irritability;
Muscle cramps;
Coldness of the extremities;
Increased heart rate.

If the above-described signs of the disease appear, the patient must be hospitalized. Correction of violations requires the use of resuscitation equipment. A highly qualified doctor is required to prevent life-threatening complications in children.

In severe stages of the disease, the following symptoms occur:

Inability to walk;
Attacks of anger and embarrassment;
Drowsiness;
Weak pulse;
Dry and hot skin;
Lack of urination;
Loss of consciousness;
Increased breathing.

To eliminate complete dehydration of the body, it is necessary to inject saline and detoxifying (eliminate the accumulation of toxins in the blood) solutions. To saturate vital organs with oxygen, an ambulance is required.

Minor dehydration can be treated at home, but if signs of severe intoxication appear, the patient must be immediately hospitalized.

Loss of fluid is especially dangerous for newborns. A rapid rise in temperature, significant loss of water is dangerous, a decrease in the concentration of minerals, vomiting and diarrhea are life-threatening.

Mineral complexes (electrolytes) are natural complexes that are necessary for the occurrence of biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium are minerals without which normal cellular activity is necessary.

Electrolytes are involved in bone formation, the functioning of the endocrine system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Dehydration can cause the following symptoms of heat stroke:

Muscle cramps;
Fainting;
Increased heart rate;
Redness of the skin;
Heavy sweating;
Hot, dry skin;
Ulceration.

To prevent the complications described above, first aid should be provided immediately after detecting at least one sign of pathology.

Treatment of heatstroke in a child

When the body overheats, the most important procedure is to transfer the victim to a cool place. Providing opportunities for access to fresh air. If a person is conscious, he needs to drink strong tea. Apply a compress based on a salted towel to your head (to prepare a solution, add a teaspoon of salt to 0.5 liters of water).

When the body overheats, stagnant changes in the brain tissue occur, the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle is disrupted, and hypoxia of the internal organs is formed. Such changes negatively affect the functioning of internal organs.

Timely cooling and wrapping the child’s body in a sheet helps normalize local blood supply, prevent swelling, and restore vascular permeability.

When a moderate degree of overheating develops, cooling is not enough to normalize health.

If the victim is "loaded", pay attention to his breathing. When the tongue retracts or vomit enters the bronchi, air flow is disrupted and tissues begin to experience oxygen starvation. The condition is especially dangerous for the functioning of the brain.

Treatment of heat stroke with similar symptoms requires restoration of patency. You can use a handkerchief or bandage to clean your mouth. If breathing is weak or there is no pulse, emergency cardiac massage is required.

It is difficult to perform artificial ventilation without medical skills. A real threat to human life in moderate or severe cases can only be prevented by using medications. Therapy is carried out in an intensive care unit, where there is all the necessary equipment for artificial ventilation and direct cardiac massage.

Features of hyperthermia in children

There are some features of overheating of the body in children. A febrile reaction is often observed, but the overall temperature varies.

So, if there is overheating and there is a focus of bacterial infection in the body, the body temperature does not rise above 41 degrees. The “central thermostat” is responsible for such features. The hypothalamus is a gland located in the brain. It regulates the process of heat generation and heat transfer.

Fever is a favorable situation. Hyperthermic syndrome in children is a dangerous situation. It develops at temperatures above 41.7 degrees. With nosology, the functionality of the hypothalamus is disrupted, which does not allow the body to rationally balance between the processes of heat formation and sweat production.

Fever is under complete control of the core. Only when the temperature rises above 38.5 do pediatricians recommend starting treatment for the disease. Scientists have not established a reliable connection between increased thermogenesis and infectious diseases. However, in most children with heatstroke and fever that peaks at 38-39 degrees, scientists detect an acute or chronic bacterial infection of a specific organ.

Hyperthermia above 38.4 degrees is never observed from 6 months to 6 years. Only when bacteria join does the temperature increase to 40 degrees.

There are patterns of febrile syndrome when the body overheats:

4% of children experience muscle cramps, so the use of Relanium and Sibazon is recommended;
The likelihood of muscle spasms increases according to the rapid rise in the temperature curve;
The formation of paralysis is observed in children with congenital anomalies of the osteoarticular system and a lack of calcium in the body.

Children with pathologies of the central nervous system, respiratory diseases, and high hyperthermia develop pathological symptoms associated with the low effectiveness of antipyretic drugs.

Nurofen, recommended by pediatricians, is ineffective in such a situation. The drug is safe, so it can be used for any disease accompanied by fever. However, the drug does not relieve the pathological manifestations of severe heat stroke in a child.

According to clinical studies, the effectiveness of Nurofen for febrile seizures in children increases by 20%. To eliminate convulsive syndrome, anticonvulsants (Sibazon, Relanium, Seduxen) should be used.

After treatment of febrile seizures due to overheating, the patient should be closely monitored to prevent recurrence of seizures. Scientific experiments have established that the likelihood of pathology increases in the presence of the following signs:

Hyperthermia in children under 3 months;
Chronic diseases;
Hypoxia during childbirth;
Rigidity of the neck muscles in a child;
Difficulty breathing due to neurological disorders;
Perinatal antibiotic therapy;
Reduced number of leukocytes;
Meningitis.

In the first years of life, fever above 38 degrees Celsius may occur. Against the background of pathology, the manifestation of clinical symptoms of internal diseases may be observed. Exacerbation of sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, colitis can be observed in children under 2 years of age, which is associated with instability of the regulatory system.

Heat stroke in a child: treatment with medical and physical methods

After providing first aid, it is mandatory to call an ambulance, regardless of the severity of the disease. After arriving at the patient, the pediatrician should leave a number of recommendations to the parents:

Rubbing is carried out only when the temperature rises above 41 degrees;
Febrile seizures are treated only with medications;
Rubbing is carried out only with warm water;
Cold water causes discomfort and crying;
The antipyretic drug ibuprofen is prescribed only after the temperature curve rises;
Wiping should be done with lukewarm water, but not with alcohol. Water causes crying and can aggravate a cold, so it should be used with caution. The procedure is canceled in case of chills, convulsions, paralysis of the limbs;
To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, an antipyretic drug should be given 30 minutes before its use;
In case of heat stroke, wiping with water should be carried out immediately;
A febrile child should be given plenty to drink;
Evaporation of liquid from the surface of the skin increases heat generation. To activate it, you need to expand the skin pores by applying cool compresses to places of intense blood supply (head, chest, back);
Children should not be given aspirin to prevent Reye's syndrome;
The use of acetaminophen is permitted only when the temperature in the armpit is above 39 degrees Celsius;
The first line drug is ibuprofen. Its effectiveness is longer than that of paracetamol, but the effect occurs gradually. It would be more optimal to use drugs based on these ingredients (ibuclin).

The use of any medicine in a child must be agreed with the pediatrician. If emergency procedures are necessary, the baby must be hospitalized.

The influence of external temperature on health

According to the severity of clinical symptoms under the influence of external temperature, the following degrees of the disease are distinguished:

Stage 1 heat stroke occurs under the influence of ambient temperatures closer to 40 degrees Celsius. In this condition, heat transfer increases and the evaporation of moisture from the respiratory tract and skin increases. The patient feels lethargy, reluctance to move, and drowsiness. The general condition is satisfactory;
Stage 2 (adaptive) occurs at an external temperature of about 50 degrees. The heat load is compensated by the evaporation of moisture. At temperatures above 38.5 degrees, an increase in diastolic pressure by 15-20 mmHg, and systolic pressure by 10-15 mmHg is observed. Increased heart rate by 50-60 beats. Against the background of the disease, sweating (profuse) and redness of the skin are observed;
Grade 3 is accompanied by a breakdown of adaptive reactions. With pathology, an increase in temperature of more than 60 degrees is observed. In this case, the body temperature can reach 40 degrees. Systolic pressure increases by 30 mmHg, diastole - by 40 mmHg. Increased heart rate up to 150 beats. Against the background of pathology, an increase in lung ventilation is activated. The skin is sharply hyperemic. When examining the patient, increased sweating is observed, pressure appears in the temples, anxiety and agitation appear;
Grade 4 is characterized by failure of adaptive reactions. Against the background of pathology, damage to the cardiovascular system can be traced, and pathological reactions of the central nervous system occur.

It should be noted that the greater the degree of overheating of the body, the more difficult it is to treat it. At home, only mild heat stroke in children can be treated.

Heat stroke is a dangerous pathology that should be treated with extreme caution.

In hot weather, the baby's body overheats, a lack of fluid appears, thereby causing heat stroke. In such a situation, adults need to know about its symptoms and methods of treatment or first aid.

What is heatstroke?

This phenomenon is observed when the child’s body is significantly overheated and there is a lack of fluid. Infants cannot express their desire to drink water; they are often dressed in clothes that are too warm. In older children, a heat attack can occur due to any unforeseen factors. As a result, a pathological condition arises that harms the entire body.

Heatstroke is the body’s reaction to hot weather and high temperature conditions in the apartment with high air humidity. It does not appear immediately, but after some time. Parents are required to know the main signs and methods of treating this harmful phenomenon in order to provide the baby with the necessary first aid if necessary.

Reasons for getting heatstroke

The most important reason for this phenomenon is a violation of the body’s thermoregulation. It should be remembered that in young children the thermoregulation system is not fully formed. Children are most susceptible to heatstroke.

Doctors identify several factors that influence heat shock:

long stay in an unventilated room with an air temperature of more than 28C;
warm clothes;
the child’s bed is close to the radiator;
prolonged exposure to the street in hot weather without the possibility of drinking liquid.

Experts distinguish three degrees of severity of the disease. With a mild degree, the baby will feel weak, have a headache and have increased breathing speed. In moderate cases, vomiting appears, coordination of movements weakens and body temperature rises sharply. In severe cases, hallucinations and delusions begin, convulsions appear, and the temperature reaches 42C. In babies under the age of 2 years, the muscles of the arms and legs may twitch and facial features become sharper.

With severe heatstroke, the baby may faint and fall into a coma.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

The symptoms of the phenomenon are similar to sunstroke, but no burns appear on the skin. It is important for adults to pay attention to the general condition of the baby in time:

increase in body temperature up to 40C;
blue mucous membranes and lips;
low sweating;
rapid pulse and breathing;
pallor;
loss of consciousness;
weakness, vomiting.

In children 5 years of age and older, symptoms usually do not appear particularly pronounced. But if several signs are detected, you should immediately contact a medical facility, since heat stroke in a child can, in rare cases, lead to death.

First emergency aid for a baby

First of all, you need to eliminate the causes of heatstroke. The child should be moved to a cool room (18-20C), and warm clothes should be removed. Under no circumstances should you use antipyretic drugs. To lower body temperature, wipe the baby's skin with alcohol (50%) or vodka, cologne or alcohol-containing lotion.

It is necessary to replenish the fluid deficit in the body by constantly giving a large amount of fluid. You can cool your head by applying a bag of cool water.

Methods for treating heat stroke at home

Newborn babies with heatstroke definitely need professional medical help. The decision to hospitalize a child 10 years of age or older is made by the doctor individually, depending on the severity and general condition of the body. In any case, it is necessary to provide possible assistance and try to alleviate his condition at home.

The amount of food consumed by an infant should be reduced by 40%. The diet should include sour mixtures and biological products. Gradually increase the amount of food to the usual norm over several days.
A person with heatstroke must drink plenty of fluids. Water, tea, a weak solution of salt (0.9%), baking soda (0.5%) or glucose (5%) will do.

Doctors advise using various medications to eliminate symptoms:

Belladonna is used for severe headaches, redness of the skin and fever every 15 minutes 5 times;
Cuprum Metallicum is prescribed for muscle cramps, one dose every 30 minutes;
Natrum carbonicum is necessary for vomiting and general weakness.

Preventing heatstroke in babies

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat for a long time. To protect children, you must follow a few simple rules.

At 3 years old, a child does not understand how much fluid his body needs to feel well. Parents should carefully monitor the amount of water consumed. If necessary, give tea, water, compote on time. In summer, the body's need for fluid increases significantly.

Most parents have a tendency to dress their child in warmer clothes, thereby causing heatstroke. It is necessary to select things in accordance with weather conditions, without wrapping the baby.

The children's room should have an optimal temperature (18-22C). If the air humidity is unsuitable, you can use special devices to normalize it.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

Dr. Komarovsky believes that there is nothing wrong with heat stroke. The most important thing is to know what it is and how to properly provide assistance when receiving it. It is very easy to disrupt a child’s heat transfer capabilities. To avoid heat stroke, you need to follow these basic rules:

a lack of fluid in the body should not be allowed,
in hot weather, you should choose loose clothing and protect your head from the sun's rays,
no need to force him to eat (minimum fat, maximum vegetables and fruits in the diet),
It is undesirable to drink hot drinks;
limit the child’s time in places where it is hot and stuffy,
sunbathing from 10.00 to 16.00 is dangerous for the baby’s health,
monitor his activity;
use conditioner if necessary.

When traveling to the sea, parents do not need to limit their children's bathing, leaving less time for exposure to the sun.
Being overweight in a child increases the rate of heatstroke because heat loss occurs much more slowly.
Many allergy medications block sweating and heat loss. Before using any medications, consult a specialist.
The doctor believes that exposure to the sun can only be harmful for children. Parents should strictly monitor the baby, and in warm weather always have a bottle of liquid with them.

It turns out that heat stroke is not a terrible disease. It can be easily prevented by following the tips and recommendations above.

The symptoms and treatment of heat stroke in a child are more serious and dangerous than in an adult, and this is natural. Theoretically, the baby is born ready for life outside the mother's womb, but in practice it is not adapted to independence, and some internal functions and systems mature to the desired state with the help of adults who take care of children. This is the case with the process of thermoregulation.

A small person freezes faster and overheats faster. The responsibility of an adult is to monitor the baby’s condition and not allow either heat or cold to have a negative impact on the child’s body. Disruption of the activity of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for thermoregulation of the body, is more pronounced in a child, which is fraught with a large number of possible negative consequences. This is especially true in summer, when heat damage to a child’s body can occur both from direct sunlight and from the general air temperature. The main danger lies in failure to provide timely assistance. This may occur due to the similarity of heat stroke to other negative conditions.

Heatstroke - what is it?

An excess or deficiency of the necessary effect on the body in children manifests itself faster and has a greater degree of possible development of the pathological process. Prolonged stay in a relatively high temperature leads to a disruption of the already quite unstable thermoregulation, which occurs as a result of a malfunction in the pituitary gland. Thermal exposure leads to disruption of the body's natural heat transfer, and this failure is aggravated by the fact that in the body itself the process of heat production does not stop for a second.

Overheating can be caused not only by high ambient temperatures, but also by too much warm clothing, and exposure to direct sunlight, which is aggravated by exposure to solar radiation, and ultraviolet rays. Children are not always able to describe in words what exactly is bothering them, and the symptoms that accompany heat stroke are somewhat vague and uncharacteristic. It is difficult for an adult who does not have certain medical knowledge to diagnose heatstroke, because its external symptoms are similar to overwork, the onset of a cold, or increased drowsiness, expressed in a moody state.

In a child, heat stroke is a pathological condition that occurs as a result of prolonged overheating of the body, the manifestation of which is the ongoing disruption of intracellular balance and cell destruction. With improper treatment, or longer exposure to heat, this leads to damage to the organs or systems of the child’s body. The developmental features of children at different ages provide for the possibility of such a lesion, precisely because of these features. At the age from birth to 2 years - due to the immature system of natural thermoregulation and resistance to negative environmental influences. In adolescents - due to hormonal changes in the body, which also involves one of the main glands of the endocrine system - the pituitary gland.

At the age of 5, children with vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders, or those whose bodies are characterized by rapid development are susceptible to heat stroke. The responsibility of an adult is to constantly monitor the natural state and make corrections when the first signs of negative changes occur. A timely diagnosed cause and proper first aid can save from further progression of the pathology. Strong thermal effects, and the lack of preventive and therapeutic measures, can lead to the most unpredictable development of the process, in some cases even leading to death.

The basis for suspecting heatstroke in a child aged 3 years or older is several atypical signs, which adults unfamiliar with this phenomenon easily correlate with overwork, the onset of a cold, or simple drowsiness. The child becomes lethargic, apathetic, does not want to move (pronounced adynamia appears), experiences constant thirst, his overall body temperature rises, and the dynamics of the negative state grows before our eyes.

With the cerebral type of development of hyperthermia, in further progression the following may be observed:

convulsions;
loss of consciousness;
brief fainting;
sometimes confusion in awareness of the surrounding world;
hallucinations.

This means that the central nervous system has been affected, and this condition is called cerebral. Asphyxia is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and fever. An attentive parent will notice signs of hyperemia of the skin (red spots on the face and neck), and spastic unmotivated yawning caused by a lack of oxygen, and the absence of the proper amount of urination, with a large volume of water drunk. The asphyxial type of lesion is also called water deficiency, because the child’s body experiences severe dehydration. With lesions of the central nervous system, on the contrary, there is an excess of fluid, which can lead to hypotonic cerebral edema.