- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
parents
How to Handle Heat Illness
What Is Heat Illness?
In very hot weather, high humidity, and other conditions, body heat can build to dangerous levels. This can cause heat illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion starts slowly, but if it's not quickly treated it can progress to heatstroke. In heatstroke, a person's temperature reaches 105°F (40.5°C) or higher. Heatstroke needs emergency medical care right away and can be life-threatening.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Heat Illness?
Of heat exhaustion:
- increased thirst
- weakness and extreme tiredness
- fainting
- muscle cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- irritability
- headache
- increased sweating
- cool, clammy skin
- body temperature rises, but to less than 105°F (40.5°C)
Of heatstroke:
- severe headache
- weakness, dizziness
- confusion
- fast breathing and heartbeat
- loss of consciousness (passing out)
- seizures
- little or no sweating
- flushed, hot, dry skin
- body temperature rises to 105°F (40.5°C) or higher
What Should I Do if a Child Has Heat Illness?
If your child has symptoms of heatstroke, get emergency medical care right away.
For cases of heat exhaustion or while awaiting help for a child with possible heatstroke:
- Bring the child indoors or into the shade right away.
- Undress the child.
- Have the child lie down; raise their feet slightly.
- If the child is alert, place in a lukewarm bath, spray with lukewarm water, or put cool cloths on their skin.
- If the child is alert and coherent, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids.
- If the child is vomiting, turn onto their side to prevent choking.
What Can Help Prevent Heat Illness?
- Teach kids to always drink plenty of liquids before and during any activity in hot, sunny weather — even if they aren't thirsty.
- Make sure kids wear light-colored, loose clothing in warm weather.
- Remind kids to look for shaded areas and rest often while outside.
- Wear sunscreen and hats to avoid getting a sunburn.
- Don't let kids do intense activities outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
- Teach kids to come indoors right away if they feel overheated.
- Do not leave kids alone in a parked car.
Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: March 2023