Heat-related Illnesses

Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can cause various types of heat-related illnesses. Children are more susceptible to heat illness than adults. For example, children adjust to changes in temperature slower than adults. Children also produce more heat during activity than adults while sweating less. Sweating is one of the body's most important means of cooling.

There are three classic types of heat-related illnesses:

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during and after intense exercise in hot conditions.

Symptoms First-aid Treatment
  • Painful cramps, especially in the legs
  • Flushed, moist skin
  • Mild fever, usually less than 102° F
  • Move to a cool place and rest
  • Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin
  • Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar such as Gatorade®
  • Stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently

Heat Exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool down properly and if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. Do not try to differentiate between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If a child appears to be having adverse effects from the heat seek medical help. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and treatment must begin immediately.

Symptoms First-aid Treatment
  • Pale,moist skin
  • Usually a fever over 102° F
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Anxiety
  • Move to a cool place and rest
  • Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin
  • Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar such as Gatorade®
  • If no improvement or unable to take fluids, call your child's physician or take your child to an emergency department immediately

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. The body's cooling system fails and heats builds up. The central nervous system and internal organs can be damaged. Death can occur if heat stroke is not treated immediatedly. If heat stroke is suspected take immediate steps to cool down the body and get emergency medical service.

Symptoms First-aid Treatment
  • Warm, dry skin
  • Flushed, moist skin
  • High fever, usually over 104° F
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Confusion, agitation
  • Call 911 or your local emergency medical service and move to a cool place and rest. Heat Stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency
  • Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin
  • Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas
  • Offer cool fluids if alert and able to drink

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is obtained daily from National Weather Service temperature and humidity readings taken under normal conditions at area airports. Please understand that this number can vary depending on location. Guidelines summarize approaches for the prevention of the detrimental effects of children's activity in hot or humid climates, including the prevention of exercise-induced dehydration.