The tips of the AEP against heat stroke

The high summer temperatures can cause serious injuries among the most vulnerable groups. "Children, especially babies under one year of age, are the groups most sensitive to damage caused by heat hits", explained Dr. Reyes Novoa, member of the Committee for the Promotion of Health of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP).

The heatstroke is caused by an increase in body temperature due to excess environmental heat, especially in wet conditions, or an intense physical effort. "The main cause of this condition is a rise in body temperature above 40 ° C which, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, confusion, sleep or seizures may result, if It is not detected in time, with much more serious consequences such as a multi-organ failure, "said this expert.


For Dr. Novoa, "prevention is always the most important thing". Among the recommendations on heat stroke has highlighted "continuously offer liquids to the smallest, if they continue to breastfeed, offer it more frequently; do not exercise during the hours of maximum heat, avoid solar overexposure and bathe children frequently to successfully combat these accidents. Likewise, wearing loose, light, breathable and light-colored clothing or protecting the head with a hat or cap can help to avoid these disorders. "

Heat stroke: how to act

In case you suspect that the child is suffering from heat stroke, the pediatrician has recommended "place the child lying down, face up, in a cool place, in the shade and well ventilated; remove the clothes you do not need and loosen the one that oppresses you; Place compresses of cold water on the head, face, neck, neck and chest, and change them as they get hot.


In case the child is conscious, we must offer liquids like cold water or, preferably oral rehydration sera or isotonic drinks. On the contrary, if it is not, we must initiate basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers and notify 112 to address this emergency as soon as possible. Ultimately, it is very important that, before any sign of heat stroke, we go to a specialist who assesses the situation and examine the patient, even if he recovers with the first help measures ".

Double caution if the trip is with children

Every year, there are many children who suffer great injuries and even deaths due to heat shocks inside the vehicles. Leaving a child alone in a car exposed to the sun, even on cloudy days can have serious consequences.

To prevent these heat illnesses, Novoa has advised "never leave children without adult supervision inside the car". Specialists recommend remembering the acronym AAA (anticipate, get used and act) and tell 112 if you find a child alone inside a vehicle: a call can save a life.


Basic first aid kit

In addition, this pediatrician has advised "carry a basic kit with medicines for fever, pain or injury" and, in case of traveling with children with some chronic pathology, indicates that "it is essential that we remember to take the medication necessary for the trip , as well as an updated report of his diagnosis and treatment ".

Avoid exposing children under six months to the sun

Protecting minors from sun radiation is essential to prevent the development of dermatological diseases. Children are more sensitive than adults to these radiations, with sun exposure in childhood being one of the most important risk factors for developing serious pathologies such as skin cancer. In the words of this pediatrician, "any child, especially babies with less than six months, should avoid the central hours of the day for outdoor activities."

Given the impact that sunburns and sun damage can have on children, this expert explains that it is very important to use sunscreen creams. "Photoprotective lotions should always be applied 30 minutes before exposure and renewed every two or three hours, so that sun protection is adequate, the minimum protection factor should be 30, preferably 50, and be child-friendly", he concluded.

Warm-up warning

1. Heat stroke can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, confusion, sleep or convulsions and, if not detected in time, much more serious consequences such as multi-organ failure.

two.It offers liquids to the little ones continuously, not practicing exercise in the hours of maximum heat, avoiding solar overexposure and bathing them frequently are some recommended measures.

3. Pediatricians warn about the importance of never leaving children without supervision of an adult inside a vehicle and planning the schedules and duration of trips taking into account their needs.

4. Sunscreen creams should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and renewed every two or three hours. Child protection lotions should have a minimum factor of 30, preferably 50.

Marina Berrio
Advice: doctor Reyes Novoa, member of the Health Promotion Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP).

Video: Working in the Heat


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