DEHYDRATION AND HEAT ILLNESSES IN CHILDRENA guide for parents’ and coaches’

Jennifer Smith

DEHYDRATION

Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is more than the amount that it being taken in.

When children exercise they sweat which is an easy way for them to loose water and other essentials that the body needs.

Dehydration also puts children at risk for a more serious heat illness.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT DEHYDRATION

Signs and Symptoms Dry MouthThirstIrritability, and crankinessHeadacheDizzinessCrampsExcessive fatigueSeemingly bored, or uninterestedChild is not able to run as fast

TREATMENT FOR DEHYDRATION

Get the child into a shaded areaHave them drink as much water as possible

Refuel !

“WHEN CAN I PLAY AGAIN?”

Once a child is symptom free and feels as though they can reenter play they are allowed

With that said it is still important to watch the athlete to make sure they are ok

HEAT CRAMPS

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms.

They normally occur during activity when it is hot outside.

They most commonly affect the calves, thighs, abdomen, and shoulder.

Linking this with dehydration:If a child sweats a lot and doesn’t replace the fluids used they are susceptible

toheat cramps.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT CRAMPS

Heat cramps are associated with intense pain in the muscle belly itself.

They are characterized as being intense muscle contractions that continue during and after exercise.

TREATMENT OF HEAT CRAMPS

Supply the young athlete with a sports drink, or waterHave them drink as much fluids as possibleLight stretchingRelaxationMuscle massage or cramping muscles

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO PLAY?

A child can return once the cramping has stopped, and they feel as if they can return.

Through person experience I have not seen an athlete ready to return the same day the heat cramps occurred.

At this point in time we can look to reduce the reoccurrence of heat cramps happening again by:

Checking to see if the child needs to change eating habitsDrinking habitsBecoming more fitOr adjusting to activity in heat

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness.

This affects children that continue activity after they begin having ill effects from the heat.

The child's body cannot keep up with the demands thus causing heat exhaustion.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

Child finds it hard or impossible to keep playing Loss of coordination, dizziness or fainting Dehydration Profuse sweating or pale skin Headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent muscle cramps

TREATMENT FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION

Get the child into a shaded, or air conditioned areaRemove unnecessary clothing or equipmentCool the child ( cold water, towels, fan)Have child lay with legs raisedIf the child is not vomiting have them drink water or sports

drinkIf their condition does not improve contact 911 or transport to

the hospital

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO PLAY?

In order for a child to return they must:Be signs and symptoms freeAvoid intense practice for at least 1 dayIf emergency treatment was required, they need doctors approval to returnThe parent of coach needs to rule out other problemsAnd take care of these before returning

EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE

This is a serious heat illness ( a medical emergency).

Occurs when the body creates more heat than it can release.

Results in a rapid increase of the core body temperature.

Can lead to permanent disability or even death.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE

Increase in core body temperature, usually above 104°F/40°C Central nervous system dysfunction

such as altered consciousness, seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior or decreased mental acuity

Other possible indicators include: Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Headache, dizziness or weakness Hot and wet or dry skin Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure or fast breathing Dehydration Combativeness

TREATMENT OF EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE

This is a TRUE MEDICAL EMERGENCY so contacting medical personnel is important

Begin cooling the child while waiting:remove excessive equipmentwhole body immersion into cold wateruse cold towels, or fans as well

Transport is very important and needs to take place as soon as possible!

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO PLAY?

In order for a child who suffered Exertional Heat Stroke to return to play they need clearance from a doctor.

The child needs to be watched closely for any additional problems and may need to change activity level for some time.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Children should have a physical examination

Include specific questions about any history of heat illness.

If they have a history of it tell the coaches.

Make sure your child is properly hydrated BEFORE activity.

Give your children their own water bottles.

Make sure the coach has emergency contact numbers.

Check that your child’s league/team has an emergency action plan.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOUR CHILD DRINKLets do an equation, Weigh your child before activity

Then weigh them again after

Compare the pre and post activity weighs

If the pre activity weight is greater than the post activity weight your child is not drinking enough water during activity.

A loss of as little as 1 percent of body weight can cause a decrease in performance.

TIPS FOR COACHES

Be aware of the weather.Change practice length or intensity based on it.Frequent water breaks are important for the child and you.Fluid breaks should be scheduled.Every athletic organization should have an emergency action

plan.Always have contact information for parents available.

Information contained in this PowerPoint can be found on the National Athletic Trainers

Association website.