Spain is experiencing one of the earliest heat waves since there are records. Summer hasn't even officially started yet, but some thermometers have hit 43 degrees this weekend. Eleven Spanish communities remain on alert for extreme temperatures, and this Tuesday it is expected to reach the peak of the wave.
Faced with this situation, there is little precaution to prevent heat stroke, especially among the elderly, but also among the youngest at home. The summer months can become hell for our sons and daughters. The most serious situations usually occur in cars, but you also have to be careful if you go to the beach or the pool, where they are usually exposed to high temperatures.
According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), heat strokes are usually caused by exposure to high temperatures. The most direct effect is the loss of water and mineral salts, which alter our body's thermal regulation system. As a consequence, the body overheats, preventing vital organs from functioning properly, which could lead to death.
According to the AEP, the youngest children, under 4 years of age and especially those under 1 year of age, are the most vulnerable, since their body temperature rises faster than in adults because they have less water and perspiration reserves and a device still immature respiratory
A child can suffer a heat stroke whenever he is exposed to situations with humidity and high temperatures, without adequate protection or hydration. Although it usually occurs on sunny days with intense heat, it can also occur on cloudy days or in shady environments.
Excessive physical exercise with very high temperatures, prolonged direct sunlight or leaving a child alone in a vehicle in full sun are some of the causes that increase the risk of heat stroke.
The AEP clarifies that a child suffering from heat stroke may present dizziness, vomiting, fever above 40⁰C, headache or irritability and tachycardia. In the most serious cases, fainting or loss of consciousness may occur. You also have to be attentive to other symptoms such as dry and very hot skin, fatigue, weakness, shallow and rapid breathing or muscle cramps.
Heat stroke occurs very quickly (in just a few minutes), and if not treated immediately, it can progress drastically and even lead to death. If we detect the beginning of heat stroke, the most important thing is to transfer the child to a hospital, but until we reach the medical center or wait to be seen, first aid can be carried out to stabilize the child.
As the AEP points out, the main treatment for heat stroke is prevention. To do this, we must look at the forecast temperatures before leaving home or hydrate well while being exposed to the sun. The entity gives a series of recommendations to anticipate and prevent a child from facing this situation.
