Summer is here, bringing with it scorching heat waves across the country. Everyone is struggling to cope with the high temperatures, especially children who are more susceptible to various illnesses. Without proper care, children can easily fall sick due to their lower immunity.
During this intense heat, common illnesses include diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, cold, cough, pneumonia, prickly heat, diaper rash, waterborne diseases like typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Dealing with Dehydration, Diarrhea, and Vomiting
During extreme heat, children need to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include a dry tongue, less frequent urination, increased heart rate, and restlessness. Severe dehydration can lead to dry skin, sunken eyes, lethargy, and rapid breathing.
Steps to Take:
- For mild dehydration, give small amounts of fluids frequently.
- Administer oral rehydration solutions every 15 to 20 minutes.
Managing Fever in Children
Fever is common among children, and its incidence increases during summer. If a child remains active and continues to eat and drink well, the fever is usually not severe.
Steps to Take:
- Avoid giving paracetamol immediately for mild fever.
- For children under two months, consult a doctor before giving fever medication.
- Use a warm cloth to sponge the child’s body to reduce fever.
- Dress the child in light, loose clothing and keep the room temperature comfortable.
- Ensure the child stays hydrated with plenty of fluids like soup, avoiding caffeinated drinks.
- If fever persists with vomiting or diarrhea, give oral rehydration solutions.
Cold, Cough, and Pneumonia
Children can also catch colds, coughs, and pneumonia during hot weather due to viral infections.
Steps to Take:
- Use nasal drops to clear a blocked nose.
- Give seasonal fruits like watermelon, coconut water, pineapples, guava, and mangoes.
- Avoid giving cough syrup; instead, provide warm lemon water or basil leaf extract for relief.
Preventing and Treating Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is more common during hot weather due to prolonged exposure to wet diapers.
Steps to Take:
- Wash diapers thoroughly and dry them in the sun.
- Clean the affected area with soap and boiled water, and apply ointment if necessary.
- Avoid prolonged use of plastic nappies and use absorbent cloth nappies instead.
Managing Chickenpox
Chickenpox commonly affects children aged one to five during summer. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk.
Steps to Take:
- Dress the child in soft, cotton clothing and ensure they stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, including breast milk.
Preventing and Treating Prickly Heat
Prickly heat occurs due to blocked sweat glands and is common during hot and humid weather.
Steps to Take:
- Keep the child cool and avoid nylon clothing.
- Maintain a comfortable room temperature.
- Wipe the child’s body with cool water frequently.
Managing Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke if not managed promptly. Symptoms include severe headache, blurred vision, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Steps to Take:
- Move the child to a cool, shaded area immediately.
- Remove clothing and fan the child.
- If conscious, sponge the body with cool water and provide fluids.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Additional Tips for Hot Weather Care
- Bathe the child regularly and clean all body folds thoroughly.
- Dress the child in loose, cotton clothing.
- Avoid taking the child outside during peak heat hours (10 AM to 5 PM).
- Provide plenty of safe, purified water and fluids like coconut water, lassi, and fruit juice.
- Keep the child’s room cool and well-ventilated.
- Ensure the child’s nails are trimmed to prevent infections.
Healthy Summer Foods for Children
- Give safe, purified water, coconut water, and fresh fruit juice frequently.
- Breastfeed more often for infants.
- Clean feeding equipment thoroughly to avoid infections.
- Avoid forcing food on the child, as it can lead to vomiting.
- Dress the child in loose and light cotton clothes to prevent sweating.
- Keep the sleeping area cool and comfortable.
- Provide nutritious breakfast like eggs, bread, vegetables, milk, oats, bananas, and yogurt.
- Pack light, non-perishable snacks for school like yogurt, seasonal fruits, dry fruits, and crackers.
By following these guidelines, you can help your child stay healthy and comfortable during the summer heat.
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