Heat Stroke in Babies – Symptoms, Complications and Treatment

A baby can get sick due to numerous environmental reasons or internal body function problems. One key aspect of measuring health is monitoring the baby’s internal body temperature. Much like an adult’s body, if the temperature goes out of control, your baby could have a heat stroke. Heat stroke is a severe medical condition that can quickly become life-threatening, especially in babies and young children. Due to their underdeveloped ability to regulate body temperature and higher vulnerability to environmental heat, infants are particularly susceptible to heat stroke during hot weather or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. In these circumstances, if you aren’t careful, your baby could suffer grave consequences. Understanding it is one of the first steps to combating heat stroke in babies.

What Is Heat Stroke?

A human body has a regulated internal temperature, this keeps the blood flowing, organs healthy, and helps keep you fit. Your baby’s body is still growing, but it still has an automated system to keep the temperature in check and a system for cooling down. When this system is compromised, your baby is at risk of an unregulated rise in body temperature. This can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. When your baby’s body begins to overheat beyond control and doesn’t cool down, it is known as a heat stroke (4).

Causes of Heat Stroke in Infants

A key aspect of fighting a heat stroke is to understand its causes. Here are a few of them:

• Dehydration
• Extremely high external temperature
• Malnutrition
• Stuffy or suffocating clothing
• Lack of oxygen in hot environments.

It is recommended that you consult a doctor if your baby happens to have a heat stroke or if you want to learn more about heat strokes in babies. Nonetheless, prior knowledge will help you gain better clarity on the condition. Read on for some signs and symptoms that can help you identify a heat stroke and seek prompt medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Beyond understanding the causes of a heat stroke, it is also extremely important to understand how to identify if your baby is having a heat stroke. Here are some of the symptoms of baby overheating (2) (3):

• A fever that is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit in which your baby does not sweat is one of the signs of a heat stroke. In Celsius, this temperature would be above 39 degrees.
• If your baby is extremely tired or fatigued for long periods of time in the summer months or after spending time in a hot room, she could be having a heatstroke.
• If you suspect your child of having a heat stroke, ensure you check her pulse for one minute. If it is rapid, it could be a sign of a heat stroke.
• It could a heat stroke if your child has skin that is burning hot and is red and dry.
• Dizziness or disorientation are signs of a heat stroke, especially in hotter temperatures.
• Breathing may become shallow and quick as the body attempts to regulate temperature.
• Overheating can cause abnormal brain activity, leading to seizures.
• Severe heat stroke may cause a baby to pass out.
• Vomiting or nausea can occur as a result of overheating.

It is important to understand that other signs of heat exhaustion in infants could manifest in the form of headaches, restlessness, vomiting or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms are relevant to your baby, please see a doctor immediately.

Also Read: Summer Foods to Prevent Dehydration in Babies

Complications of Heat Stroke in Infants

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion in Newborn Babies

It is highly recommended that you call an ambulance and have your baby checked at the nearest hospital in case of a serious heatstroke. Here are a few home remedies for heat stroke in babies (3):

• Dress your baby in loose clothing.
• Have your child lay under a fan or indoors in a room with air conditioning.
• Pat down your baby’s forehead and shoulders with a cold, wet cloth.

For further information regarding treating minor heat strokes, contact your primary care physician.

Prevention of Heat Stroke in Babies

It can be extremely difficult to predict heat exhaustion in babies. Here are a few ways to avoid them (1) (2):

• Dress your baby in loose clothing.
• Keep the child indoors if it is especially hot outside.
• Keep the child hydrated.
• Ensure you expose your child to warmer or hotter weather gradually.
• Limit the time your baby spends outdoors during the peak of the afternoons.
• Sit with your child in a room with fans and air conditioning.
• Avoid spicy foods during the hotter periods of the year.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to use fans or air conditioning to cool my baby down during heat stroke?

Yes, using fans or air conditioning is effective in cooling down your baby during heat stroke, as long as the baby is moved to a cooler environment and not exposed to direct, cold air. These methods help lower body temperature gradually without causing discomfort or shock to the system.

2. How long does it take for a baby to recover from heat stroke?

The recovery time from heat stroke varies depending on the severity and how quickly treatment is administered. With immediate care, such as cooling and rehydration, babies can begin to recover within hours, but medical monitoring is necessary to ensure there are no lasting effects (5).

3. Can I give my baby a cold bath if they have a heat stroke?

Cold baths are not recommended for babies with heat stroke, as a rapid decrease in body temperature can cause shock or further complications. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water to help lower their body temperature gradually while ensuring they are kept hydrated and seeking emergency medical care (6).

Heat exhaustion in newborns can be extremely dangerous if precautions aren’t taken. Talk to your doctor about the steps you need to take to avoid a heat stroke in your baby. Remember, prevention is the best cure.

References/Resources:

1. Heat Exposure and Reactions; Seattle Children’s Hospital; https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/heat-exposure-and-reactions/

2. How to Handle Heat Illness; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke-sheet.html

3. How to Prevent Heat Stroke: Common Sense Guidelines; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/how-prevent-heat-stroke-common-sense-guidelines

4. Kusi. J; Heat Stroke Can Be Deadly In Infants. 7 Tips To Keep Kids Safe; Stamford Health; https://www.stamfordhealth.org/healthflash-blog/pediatrics/symptoms-heat-stroke-in-infants/

5. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

6. Heatwave precautions for babies & young children; The Women’s; https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/at-home-with-your-baby/heatwave-precautions-for-babies-young-children

7. Heat Illness; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/heat.html

Also Read:

Heat Rash in Babies
Baby Sweating While Sleeping
Common Skin Allergies in Babies
Baby’s Head is Hot, But No Fever