What is the difference between sunrise and insolation? How to intervene to prevent and protect our children? We answer the most frequent questions about the topic
It is a warm afternoon in late June. Stefano goes to get Giada and Mario at the exit of the summer center and hears a grandmother reproaching the animators because they granted children to go out in the morning. “In this heat!” The woman observes. “What if a sun stroke came to children? Or worse, an insolation! ».
While observing the children who play and laugh blessed in the courtyard, Stefano wonders about what he has just heard, and immediately realizes that he does not have the slightest idea of how a heat stroke is manifested in children, nor what is the difference between sunshine and insolation.
Below, we try to answer the most frequent questions on the topic.
Heat and insolation blows in children: the differences
The two terms are often used as synonyms, but in reality they undermine two different disorders caused by the same condition: the increase in environmental temperature; condition that, due to the ongoing climate change, unfortunately there is increasing intensity in our country and in many parts of the world.
In this regard, our body has a very important feature, the so -called “thermoregulation”, that is, the ability to independently regulate its temperature in order to maintain it constant in different environmental conditions.
In cold environments, the body tends not to dissipate the heat produced, while in hot environments it tries to disperse heat (for example through sweating). The drop in blood pressure also falls among attempts to reduce body temperature: in fact, blood vessels are dilated in order to disperse heat and this leads to a pressure reduction.
When the external temperature becomes very high (over 35 degrees), moreover in humid and not very ventilated environments, the ability to disperse heat can fail and this causes an increase in body temperature. This defect in thermoregulation leads to the sun stroke in children (also called heat stroke).
The insolation, on the other hand, is the direct consequence of the exposure of the body to the sun’s rays, so in addition to the effects due to the increase in body temperature, there will also be those caused by the sun on the areas exposed.
Symptoms of heat stroke and sorting
The symptoms of heat stroke in children occur when body temperature increases too quickly (in 10-15 minutes), reaching 40-41 ° C. The little ones, in particular, can warn:
- weakness, which manifests itself with loss of interest in the game and interaction;
- heachache;
- Abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.
Since the falls of the blood pressure that occurs with high temperatures can also be verified.
In addition to those just described for the heat stroke, the symptoms of the hostent in children are also added to the disorders due to the exposure to the sun’s rays, i.e. the redness of the exposed skin (solar erythema) up to the burn. Rice eyes can also be seen and increased tearing.
Heat stroke in children: what to do and when to worry
When a heat stroke is suspected, it is better to bring the child to a fresh and shaded environment and offer water in small sips. If the little one complains of the dizziness, it is advisable to invite him to lie down and rest.
If after these simple precautions the child appears confused, he vomits incessantly or has not peeled for many hours it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor for a more in -depth evaluation.
How do they prevent heat strokes and insolations?
To prevent heat strokes and insolations in children, it is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun in the hottest hours of the day (ranging from 11 to 18).
If this is not possible, it will certainly be useful to make the child wear a hat and cotton garments with light colors, which promote perspiration and do not excessively attract the sun’s rays.
Nutrition and hydration, two precious allies
Equally fundamental when it comes to preventing the harmful effects of heat are adequate diet and hydration. With sweating, in fact, water and mineral salts are lost, and there are no effective supplements as the nutrients and water naturally present in fruit and vegetables to reintegrate the losses; In the event that the child did not really want to eat, better the use of rehydrating solutions.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables (in summer: zucchini, tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers) are particularly suitable for their nutritional composition. On the other hand, fatty and very seasoned foods are to be avoided, in order not to overload the organism already committed to fighting heat.
Faq
How to understand if a child has a heat or sun stroke?
A child with a heat stroke appears warm to the touch, confused, tired, without the desire to play. If the baby reports that he has spent a lot of time exposed to the sun the diagnosis is soon made.
How long does a heat stroke last in children?
A heat stroke can last several hours, up to two days: the effects are more evident in the first six hours after exposure.
Can you go to the beach after a sunny shot?
Yes, but only after spending a fair number of hours in fresh and ventilated environments. On the beach it will be appropriate to protect yourself from direct exposure and take a lot of water, fruit and vegetables.
Heat and insolation stroke: how to avoid them on vacation?
Avoiding to expose yourself to direct sunlight in the hottest hours of the day (indicatively from 11 to 18), which must instead be spent in cool and ventilated places.
