As summer temperatures soar in Texas, the associated health risks, particularly for children, become increasingly concerning.
According to Dr. Troy Smurawa, a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Plano, children are significantly more vulnerable to heat stress than adults.
While both adults and children rely on sweating to cool down, children have a larger body surface area relative to their mass, which causes them to heat up more quickly and cool down less efficiently.
Furthermore, children’s shorter stature places them closer to the ground, where heat radiates from concrete, asphalt, and other heat-absorbing surfaces, intensifying their exposure to heat.
Dr. Smurawa emphasizes that children often fail to recognize the early signs of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and heat stress.
Unlike adults who can identify symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness, children may ignore their body’s signals, continuing to play until the danger escalates.
This lack of awareness can lead to severe heat-related illnesses, which have become increasingly prevalent in Dallas and Plano.
A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center revealed a staggering 170% increase in emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses among children between 2012 and 2023, highlighting the critical seasonal risk.
The progression of heat-related illnesses can begin with cramping, where excessive heat causes muscles to spasm.
If not addressed promptly, this can escalate to heat syncope (fainting), and ultimately lead to heat exhaustion, where the body is unable to cool itself effectively.
The most dangerous stage is heat stroke, marked by a dangerously high core body temperature of 104°F or more, which can impair the central nervous system.
Symptoms of heat stroke may include confusion, disorientation, seizures, or even coma, making it a life-threatening condition.
In contrast, heat exhaustion, while extreme, is not as fatal as heat stroke.
Recognizing the signs of heat exposure in children is vital, according to Dr. Smurawa.
Some signs to watch for include pale, moist, or flushed skin, as well as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or disorientation.
To safeguard children from heat-related risks, Dr. Smurawa recommends planning outings during the cooler parts of the day—either early morning or late evening.
Ensuring that children remain hydrated and take regular breaks in shaded areas, especially during physical activities, is crucial.
While cotton clothing is breathable, it also traps moisture and does not facilitate cooling.
Instead, parents should opt for light-colored, loose-fitting, and moisture-wicking apparel.
In addition, sunscreen should always be applied, as sunburn increases the risk of heat illness.
Dr. Smurawa also notes that being overweight or obese significantly heightens a child’s risk for heat illness.
A 2009 study conducted by Pennsylvania State University demonstrated that obese children started with higher core body temperatures and were slower to adapt to heat during summer exercise compared to their lean counterparts.
Currently, 21% of children aged 6 to 17 in Texas are classified as obese, surpassing the national average of 17%.
Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health collected in 2022 and 2023 underscores this concerning trend.
Parents are reminded to avoid exposing their children to extreme heat too suddenly, particularly if they have not acclimatized.
Dr. Smurawa advises that kids should gradually be exposed to outdoor conditions, especially if they are transitioning from a cool, air-conditioned environment.
Acclimatization typically takes about two weeks, during which children should experience longer periods outdoors to build their heat tolerance.
In conclusion, understanding the risks associated with extreme heat and adopting preventive measures can significantly protect children from heat-related illnesses during the hot Texas summer.
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