Heatstroke Treatment for Children in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen VA

Children can’t always communicate how they’re feeling which is why it’s important to know and understand the signs and symptoms of heatstroke so that you know what you’re looking for.
 
If your child has been exposed to a consistently hot environment and shows one or more of the following symptoms, you should take them to urgent care or the emergency room as soon as possible:
 
● A temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
● Confusion
● Dizziness
● Dry skin
● Flushed and/or hot skin
● Loss of consciousness
● Nausea
● No sweating
● Rapid breathing
● Rapid heartbeat
● Seizure
● Severe headache
● Weakness
 
Call for emergency medical help, or bring head to emergency services, if you suspect that your child is suffering from heatstroke. Prompt treatment is crucial in preventing long-term complications and, in some cases, even death.

The length of time a child will be affected by heatstroke depends on how severe their case was and if there was any internal damage caused by the condition itself.  With prompt and effective treatment, most children recover in 1-2 days, although many will still experience sensitivity to heat for several weeks following treatment.
 
However, recovery can take longer if organ damage is detected, the amount of time varies depending on how severe or complex the injury is.
 
Children who are recovering from heatstroke should avoid physical activity for at least a week and should receive periodic testing to monitor their organ function. Even temporary complications of heatstroke can take weeks to months to dissipate, so always listen to the instructions provided to you by your doctor to ensure your child’s recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

You should take your child to the nearest urgent care facility as soon as possible if you suspect they have heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can become heat stroke if not treated appropriately, which can lead to serious medical complications.
 
Symptoms of heat exhaustion in children include:
 
● A raised body temperature that is less than 104°F (40°C)
● Cool, clammy skin
● Dizziness or fainting
● Headache
● Heavy sweating
● Increased thirst
● Irritability
● Muscle cramps
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Weakness
 
If you’re unsure if what you’re seeing in his heat exhaustion, contact your family doctor and/or pediatrician for advice. They will be able to address your child’s symptoms and provide you with the appropriate course of action to take. However, if your doctor isn’t available, it’s always best to proceed on the side of caution and take them to urgent care.

Heatstroke is the highest level of heat illness and is considered to be a life-threatening medical emergency for both children and adults.
 
During heatstroke, the body cannot properly control or regulate its own internal temperature. This can make your child’s body temperature can soar to 104°F (40°C) and higher, the result of which can be long-term organ damage, organ failure, brain damage, and even death if left untreated.
 
If you suspect your child is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately or take them to the nearest urgent care and/or emergency room as soon as possible. Heatstroke requires quick and effective medical care to be remedied and to prevent long-term complications.
 
If you’re waiting for help to arrive, ensure that your child is either inside or in a shady area. Undress them from their layers and sponge them with cool water, and do NOT give them any fluids unless they are completely lucid as these can lead to choking.
 
If your child has heatstroke, or if you suspect that they may have it, connect with us at PACS Urgent Care. We offer safe, quick, efficient care to ensure the overall well-being of your child as they move towards recovery. Contact us at your earliest convenience for any questions, check in online, or walk-in for a same-day visit. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and  Ruther Glen VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.