Heat exhaustion and heat stroke in kids can happen quickly during fall sports.
Football, soccer, baseball and other fall sports may feel like a return to routine, but hot weather can remain a serious concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics says a heat index of 90°F or higher can be dangerous, particularly for young children and kids participating in sports.
Young athletes can be especially vulnerable when exercising in high heat and humidity. The AAP warns that these conditions can cause heat illness “even [in] well-trained athletes,” while Children’s Health notes that intense practices and camps during the hottest parts of the day increase athletes’ risk.
Kids may also fail to recognize that they’re becoming overheated. Pediatric sports medicine physician Troy Smurawa says, “It’s very important for parents, kids and athletes to be mindful of the heat,” because children don’t always recognize the effects of heat until they’re already in trouble.
Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke? Know the Difference
Heat exhaustion often develops after exercise or play in the heat, particularly when a child becomes dehydrated from losing fluids and salt through sweating. Symptoms can include increased thirst, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating and cool, clammy skin.
Heat stroke is considerably more dangerous and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Nemours KidsHealth defines heat stroke as occurring when body temperature reaches 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, with symptoms potentially including confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, rapid breathing and heartbeat, and little or no sweating.
The distinction matters because heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if it isn’t treated promptly. Children’s Health warns that heat stroke can cause brain damage or death if it isn’t treated quickly.
5 Ways Parents Can Help Kids Beat the Heat
1. Hydrate before the whistle blows. Kids should drink plenty of fluids before and during activity, even if they aren’t thirsty, according to Nemours KidsHealth.
2. Build in breaks. Parents should ask coaches about regular water and rest breaks, while the AAP recommends frequent breaks and scheduling strenuous activities during cooler parts of the day when possible.
3. Dress for the conditions. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help children stay cooler, while moisture-wicking clothing is recommended for young athletes by Children’s Health.
4. Know when to stop. If a child feels overheated, they should come indoors or move to shade immediately; parents should take symptoms such as confusion, unusual sleepiness, vomiting or severe headache seriously.
5. Know the emergency signs. A child showing signs of heat stroke—including confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures or a body temperature of 105°F or higher—needs emergency medical care right away.
The simplest lesson may be the most important: children should know that stopping because they feel sick isn’t quitting—it’s smart. Parents can reinforce that message before the season begins and make sure coaches understand their child’s need to hydrate, rest and cool down.
