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14 Year Old Sensitive To Heat, Feeling Weakness, Headache. What Treatment Should Be Done?

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Posted on Fri, 3 Aug 2012
Question: I am looking for advice on heat illnesses for my 14-year-old daughter. She seems to be sensitive to heat. If she stays in the hot sun for more than a half hour, she experiences weakness. Occasionally, she gets a headache. Sometimes, once she comes in to air-conditioning again, she feels very cold. There is a camping trip coming up, and the weather is supposed to be in the nineties. She would be without any air-conditioning for three days. Would it be unsafe for her to go? Or will she be fine if she simply drinks lots of water and mostly stays in the shade?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Grover (6 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for writing in.
I am a medical specialist with an additional degree in cardiology.
I read your question with diligence.
Your daughter is one of those who is prone to heat stroke.


Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather (these steps are recommended by a committee for the purpose constituted by Mayo Clinic, Minnesota USA I guess few miles from where you live.):

1.Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that
fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

2. Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-
colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.

3. Ask her to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and
maintain a normal body temperature.

4.Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for
heat-related problems if she take medications that can affect her body's ability to
stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

5. Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car with closed windows. In fact
It is good idea never leave children alone in a parked car. This is a common
cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the
temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10
minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any
period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When
your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

6. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If she can't avoid strenuous
activity in hot weather, follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool
spot. Help her to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day,
such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids
during that time will help your body regulate your temperature.

7. Let her get acclimatized. Limit the amount she spends working or exercising in
the heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather
are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, including heatstroke. It can take
several weeks for human body to adjust to hot weather.

8. Be cautious if she is at increased risk. If she take medications or have a physical
condition that increases her risk of heat-related problems, teach her to avoid the
heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If she participates in
a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are
medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.

I guess these steps will go a long way in preventing heat related injury in your daughter. If you have any more query I shall be happy to answer that asap.
Regards

With Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover,
Cardiologist
M.B.;B.S, M.D. (Internal Medicine) D.M.(Cardiology)
http://www/ WWW.WWWW.WW




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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Anil Grover

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 922 Questions

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14 Year Old Sensitive To Heat, Feeling Weakness, Headache. What Treatment Should Be Done?

Hello,

Thanks for writing in.
I am a medical specialist with an additional degree in cardiology.
I read your question with diligence.
Your daughter is one of those who is prone to heat stroke.


Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather (these steps are recommended by a committee for the purpose constituted by Mayo Clinic, Minnesota USA I guess few miles from where you live.):

1.Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that
fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

2. Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-
colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.

3. Ask her to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and
maintain a normal body temperature.

4.Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for
heat-related problems if she take medications that can affect her body's ability to
stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

5. Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car with closed windows. In fact
It is good idea never leave children alone in a parked car. This is a common
cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the
temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10
minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any
period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When
your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

6. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If she can't avoid strenuous
activity in hot weather, follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool
spot. Help her to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day,
such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids
during that time will help your body regulate your temperature.

7. Let her get acclimatized. Limit the amount she spends working or exercising in
the heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather
are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, including heatstroke. It can take
several weeks for human body to adjust to hot weather.

8. Be cautious if she is at increased risk. If she take medications or have a physical
condition that increases her risk of heat-related problems, teach her to avoid the
heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If she participates in
a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are
medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.

I guess these steps will go a long way in preventing heat related injury in your daughter. If you have any more query I shall be happy to answer that asap.
Regards

With Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover,
Cardiologist
M.B.;B.S, M.D. (Internal Medicine) D.M.(Cardiology)
http://www/ WWW.WWWW.WW