What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion is a potential precursor to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a complication of untreated heat exhaustion. Parents of toddlers should prevent or respond quickly to signs of heat exhaustion in toddlers to prevent heat stroke from happening. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It can be very serious in toddlers, and in a number of cases, such as when a child has been left in a very hot car, it has resulted in fatalities.

What causes heat exertion and heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be caused by:

Heat exertion (which tends to happen to athletes or military service people when they are in intense physical training)

Exposure to more external heat than our body is capable of tolerating. The latter is sometimes called classic heatstroke, and it is the kind likely to affect babies and toddlers.

How quickly can symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke develop?

The amount of time a toddler needs to be exposed to the heat to cause heat exhaustion and classic heatstroke is dependent on a number of factors, including the temperature itself, whether it’s a windy day, and how many clothes they are wearing. Their age, overall health, and stage of development also matter. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heatstroke can develop in as little as 10-15 minutes, though it can also happen over the course of several hours or days, which is why it is so important to be mindful of symptoms.

Heatstroke harms the body because, after our core temperature (typically 37 °C) is raised to a level at which we cannot safely compensate for the effects adequately, the proteins in our cells become denatured, causing them to leak and break down. This, in turn, can threaten multiple vital organs.

What puts my toddler at increased risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

The environment—hot, poorly ventilated, sunny, etc.—lacking access to appropriate hydration and inappropriate clothing all increase a toddler's risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. A toddler’s young age and underdeveloped body alone put them at increased risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Toddlers who are ill, tired, or sunburned are also especially vulnerable. Certain medications, such as antihistamines or ADHD medicine, can affect a toddler's ability to sweat and therefore to cope with heat. Always check with your doctor about whether any medication you give your child is less safe under certain circumstances, such as hot weather.

How do I know that my toddler is suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Signs your toddler is suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke can include:

A red, flushed face
Dehydration
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Confusion
Agitation
Rapid breathing
Lethargy
A seizure
Dizziness
An elevated temperature
Profuse sweating
Not sweating at all, despite the heat
Weakness (a baby may look floppy, which requires immediate medical attention regardless of other symptoms)
Complaining of tummy, headache or other pains

How should I respond to symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke in my toddler?

A toddler with symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke needs to be cooled down immediately. Remove them from the heat and take them somewhere colder. Remove any excess layers of clothing and have them drink plenty of water. Most children will cool down and feel better after thirty minutes of heat exhaustion, but it’s still important to get medical help sooner if they’ve demonstrated more serious symptoms, especially if they experience seizures, appear distressed, are breathing rapidly, cannot drink water, or seem to lose consciousness at any point. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are entirely preventable, so you should also take or plan to take the following precautions:

How can I keep my toddler from getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Don’t let your toddler sunburn. Sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.
Dress them in loose, breathable clothing.
Keep your toddler well hydrated. Teach them to take a drink before exerting themselves or going out in the sun.
Don’t let them play in direct sunlight for long periods or in peak hours.
Don’t let them exert themselves in the heat. Schedule energetic activities for cooler times of day or indoors.
Don’t leave them in a car in the heat, even for a brief period of time.

For more information on supporting and protecting your toddler’s wellbeing, check out Dr. Nisha Patel’s Toddler Health and Development Journey video course.

How can I tell if my toddler has heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Unii looks how to identify and prevent these potentially life threatening issues for toddlers.