D EHYDRATION AND H EAT I LLNESSES IN C HILDREN A guide for parents’ and coaches’ Jennifer Smith

D EHYDRATION 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.

W HAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT D EHYDRATION Signs and Symptoms Dry Mouth Thirst Irritability, and crankiness Headache Dizziness Cramps Excessive fatigue Seemingly bored, or uninterested Child is not able to run as fast

T REATMENT FOR D EHYDRATION Get the child into a shaded area Have them drink as much water as possible Refuel !

“W HEN 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

H EAT C RAMPS 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 wit h dehydration: If a child sweats a lot and doesn’t replace the fluids used they are susceptible to heat cramps.

S IGNS AND S YMPTOMS OF H EAT C RAMPS 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.

T REATMENT OF H EAT C RAMPS Supply the young athlete with a sports drink, or water Have them drink as much fluids as possible Light stretching Relaxation Muscle massage or cramping muscles

W HEN 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 habits Drinking habits Becoming more fit Or adjusting to activity in heat

H EAT E XHAUSTION 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.

S IGNS AND S YMPTOMS OF H EAT E XHAUSTION 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

T REATMENT FOR H EAT E XHAUSTION Get the child into a shaded, or air conditioned area Remove unnecessary clothing or equipment Cool the child ( cold water, towels, fan) Have child lay with legs raised If the child is not vomiting have them drink water or sports drink If their condition does not improve contact 911 or transport to the hospital

W HEN CAN I RETURN TO PLAY ? In order for a child to return they must: Be signs and symptoms free Avoid intense practice for at least 1 day If emergency treatment was required, they need doctors approval to return The parent of coach needs to rule out other problems And take care of these before returning

E XERTIONAL H EAT S TROKE 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.

S IGNS AND S YMPTOMS OF E XERTIONAL H EAT S TROKE 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

T REATMENT OF E XERTIONAL H EAT S TROKE This is a TRUE MEDICAL EMERGENCY so contacting medical personnel is important Begin cooling the child while waiting: remove excessive equipment whole body immersion into cold water use cold towels, or fans as well Transport is very important and needs to take place as soon as possible!

W HEN 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.

T IPS FOR P ARENTS 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.

H OW MUCH SHOULD YOUR CHILD DRINK Lets 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.

T IPS FOR C OACHES 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.