Heat exhaustion and Heatstroke factsheet

Introduction 

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are heat-related illnesses that happen when the body gets too hot and struggles to cool down or control its temperature. 

  • Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats but can still control its temperature. It is usually caused by activity in hot weather or dehydration. 
  • Heatstroke happens when the body overheats to the point it can no longer cool itself. This causes the body’s temperature to rise to dangerous levels, which can harm organs and be life-threatening. 

Children are more at risk of heat-related illnesses as their bodies cannot cool down as well as adults. Children sweat less, and their body temperatures can rise faster, especially in hot or humid weather. 

Heat-related illness can happen when children:

  • spend too much time in the heat, playing outdoors or being active without breaks to cool down
  • don’t drink enough water, which can prevent the body from cooling properly
  • wear too much clothing or clothes that are too warm for the weather
  • are left in hot cars, where temperatures can rise dangerously even in a short time
  • are unwell or have certain health conditions, making it harder to control body temperature. 

Signs and symptoms

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is an early stage of overheating. Symptoms can include: 

  • heavy sweating with paler, cool, and damp skin
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • weakness
  • headaches
  • nausea 
  • muscle cramps
  • rapid breathing 
  • rapid heartbeat 
  • heat rash - red, itchy skin. 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is more severe and needs immediate medical attention.

Symptoms can include: 

  • a very high body temperature - over 40°C
  • hot, dry, red skin with no sweating
  • confusion
  • unusual behaviour 
  • slurred speech
  • trouble walking
  • seizures
  • fainting or loss of consciousness
  • extreme thirst
  • swollen tongue. 

Diagnosis

Your child’s doctor will diagnose a heat-related illness based on their symptoms. They will check your child’s body temperature and may need to do other tests if symptoms are severe, including:

Treatment

Heat exhaustion

If you notice signs of heat exhaustion, you should:

  1. move your child to a cool, shady place away from the heat 
  2. remove any extra clothing to help their body cool down
  3. encourage them to drink cool water or oral rehydration fluids 
  4. cool their body with a fan or damp cloth 
  5. have them rest in a cool space
  6. watch your child to see if symptoms start to improve.

If symptoms don’t improve, call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 or see your local doctor. 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be life-threatening.

If you notice signs of heatstroke in your child, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

While you wait for the ambulance, you should:

  1. move your child to a cool, shady place away from the heat
  2. remove any extra clothing 
  3. use a fan if available, and sponge or spray cool water on their skin 
  4. if available, place cold packs on their neck, under the armpits and around the groin
  5. encourage them to sip cool water or oral rehydration fluids.

If your child faints or loses consciousness, place them in the recovery position while you wait for the ambulance. 

The recovery position is when you lay your child on their side with their mouth down and their chin up.

Do not use over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol for heatstroke. They do not lower body temperature in heatstroke and may worsen symptoms or increase the risk of organ damage.

Management

Preventing heat-related illness in children

You can help prevent heat-related illness in children by:

  • making sure your child has access to water and drinks regularly throughout the day, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks
  • dressing your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, with long sleeves and a hat for sun protection
  • avoiding outdoor play during the hottest times of the day, usually between 11 am and 5 pm
  • keeping a close eye on your child when they play outside, especially in hot weather
  • encouraging regular breaks in the shade to rest and drink water. 

Preventing heat-related illness in babies

Babies are more at risk of heat-related illness, but they may not show symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Follow these tips to keep your baby cool and prevent heat-related illness:

Staying Cool

  • use lukewarm water for baths, never cold water
  • sponge their skin with a cool, damp washcloth
  • dress your baby in light, loose clothing outdoors and just a nappy or singlet at home
  • stay indoors during extreme heat and keep outings short and in the shade
  • use fans or air conditioning if available, but avoid pointing the air directly at your baby.

Safe Sleep

  • use light cotton sheets in the cot or bassinet
  • make sure air can circulate around the cot or bassinet
  • always place your baby on their back to sleep with their head uncovered.

Hydration

  • offer extra fluids as needed:
    • under 6 months: extra breastfeeds or formula
    • over 6 months: small amounts of cooled, boiled water
  • breastfeeding parents will also need to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids.

Travel

  • make sure air can flow freely around your baby’s pram or capsule
  • avoid covering prams or capsules with muslin cloths or blankets, as they trap heat
  • use window shades in the car for sun protection
  • never leave babies and children unattended in vehicles.

If you do choose to use a muslin cloth, follow these steps to lower the risk of heat and suffocation:

  • avoid staying out longer than you need to
  • spray the cloth with water every 20 minutes to keep it damp and cool
  • leave a gap between the cloth and pram 
  • use it with a small, portable fan that is out of reach of your baby
  • check your baby every 20 minutes.

Staying cool at home

To keep your home cool and reduce the risk of heat-related illness in children:

  • open windows and doors in the morning to let in cool air
  • if you have air conditioning, save it for the hottest parts of the day and make sure all windows and doors are closed
  • close windows, blinds, curtains and internal doors as the temperature rises
  • use a curtain or sheet to cover windows that let direct sunlight in for shade
  • if you have security screens, open windows overnight to let in cooler air
  • use fans indoors, but remember to turn them off when you leave a room.

On very hot days, try: 

  • placing trays or containers of ice in front of fans for cool air
  • using a damp cloth on wrists, ankles, or neck to lower body temperature.