Severe heat increasing risk of dehydration, diarrhea among children: What parents must know
PTC Web Desk: With more than half of May already behind us, temperatures continue to rise steadily across several regions. As the heat intensifies, cases of dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever are rapidly increasing among young children. Hospitals are witnessing a surge in paediatric patients suffering from these seasonal health issues. This situation can be particularly dangerous for infants and malnourished children, posing serious health risks if not addressed in time.
Medical experts warn that ignoring early signs of dehydration or diarrhea can lead to serious complications. Hence, it s crucial to stay vigilant and not take any symptom lightly during this intense summer season.
Common health risks children face in summer
During summer, children become more vulnerable to various infections and illnesses. Among them, diarrhea is one of the most dangerous, especially for infants and toddlers. This condition leads to the rapid loss of fluids and essential salts from the body, increasing the risk of severe dehydration.
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a digestive disorder characterised by frequent loose or watery stools. It commonly occurs when the digestive system fails to process food properly or due to bacterial or viral infections. Children are most at risk because their immune systems are not fully developed. With diarrhea, the body loses water and essential salts like sodium at a rapid pace, causing fatigue and dehydration.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea claims the lives of approximately 4,43,000 children under the age of five and over 50,000 children aged 5–9 years every year worldwide. Given its severity, early symptoms must never be ignored.
Why are children more prone to diarrhea?
Children are particularly susceptible due to their underdeveloped immune systems. They often eat without washing their hands or put dirty objects and toys into their mouths. This exposes them to harmful bacteria and viruses. The risk of infection increases significantly during summer, making diarrhea a common seasonal issue.
Summer care tips for newborns
Newborns are especially sensitive to temperature changes and require extra care during the summer months. Experts recommend the following precautions:
Exclusive Breastfeeding: Infants up to 6 months old should be fed only breast milk, which serves as their food, water, and medicine.
Well-Ventilated Rooms: Keep the baby in a cool, airy room. Avoid taking them out in direct sunlight, into crowded areas, or overly warm environments. Ensure air conditioners or coolers do not blow air directly on the baby.
Appropriate Clothing: Dress the baby in loose, light-coloured cotton clothing. Change wet clothes immediately to prevent rashes or discomfort.
Diaper Hygiene: Change diapers frequently and keep the baby’s skin dry to reduce the risk of heat rashes.
Bathing Routine: Bathe the baby daily using lukewarm or fresh water. Dry the baby completely before dressing.
Hand Hygiene: Always wash hands before handling a newborn. Maintain a clean environment around the baby.
Seek Medical Attention if Needed: Excessive sweating, refusal to breastfeed, fatigue, or continuous crying can be signs of dehydration or infection. Immediate medical attention should be sought in such cases.
Nutrition and hydration tips
Children tend to tire quickly during the summer due to excessive sweating and fluid loss. Proper diet and hydration are essential to maintain their health.
Light and Fresh Meals: Offer foods that are easy to digest such as rice-lentils, vegetables, roti, or khichdi. Avoid stale or outside food.
Fresh Fruits: Serve hydrating and cooling fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, papaya, mango, cucumber, and others to help maintain fluid balance.
Avoid Spicy and Fried Foods: Refrain from giving children oily, spicy, or heavily fried foods as these can upset their stomachs.
Ensure Water Intake: Always provide a clean water bottle, especially if the child attends school. Teach them the importance of drinking water at regular intervals. Fluids like buttermilk, sugarcane juice, and coconut water are also recommended.
If symptoms of diarrhea persist beyond two days, medical attention is necessary. Warning signs include:
Presence of blood in the stool
High fever
Repeated vomiting
Extreme fatigue or lethargy
These could indicate a severe condition, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, or those with weak immune systems. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
- With inputs from agencies
