For both adults and children, summer may be a stressful time. During the sweltering summer months, children might suffer from various illnesses, including allergies and infections.
Dr. Suresh Birajdar, a neonatologist, and pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, says extreme humidity and heat can exacerbate the situation. He offers warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for parents.
1 – Heatstroke (Hyperthermia)
Exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, and weakness are some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can be brought on by extended exposure to high temperatures. Treat hyperthermia with cold packs or water to reduce the infant’s body temperature. Wear a hat or cap to protect your head when working or playing outside.
2 – Food poisoning
Consumption of tainted food or water is to blame. Bacteria thrive in a warm, moist climate, making it more likely that food may become contaminated. Diarrhea and/or vomiting are also possible symptoms. Avoid eating food from roadside stands and food that is stale or uncooked.
3 – Dehydration
Children lose a lot of salt and water through sweat during the summer. Staying hydrated is the best way to replenish this. Coconut water, buttermilk, and lemon water are all fantastic options for keeping youngsters hydrated during the heat.
Parents can use a cold compress to soothe their child’s irritated skin. Summer is a great time to encourage your children to wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Skincare products should only be used after consulting with a doctor.
4 – Infection of the urinary tract (UTI)
A urinary tract infection can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. In addition, summertime dehydration is a significant contributor to increased childhood UTIs. So drink plenty of water and take care of your hygiene.
5 – Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
It is a condition in which the conjunctiva is inflamed. Redness, itchiness, and ocular inflammation are all possible side effects of this condition. Take care of your child’s eyes regularly. Make sure the child isn’t touching their eyes and is taking their medication.
6 – Sunburn
The skin of a youngster might be damaged by too much sun exposure. The skin becomes irritated, swollen, blistered, and starts to peel. Therefore, apply sunscreen to your children before going outside in the sun. Additionally, youngsters should stay indoors between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
7 – Ezcema
This chronic skin illness tends to worsen during the summer months due to increased sweating, exposure to the sun, and increased oil secretion. As a result, your youngster may develop a rash on their skin.
Your child’s skin should be kept as dry as possible by your efforts. Use a sunscreen and moisturizer that won’t irritate your skin and are hypoallergenic. Make an appointment with a dermatologist who specializes in children’s skincare.
8 – Swimmer’s Ear
All those enjoyable pool days, and now I have an infected ear canal to show! Bacterial growth can be triggered if water is trapped in your child’s ear. This causes a lot of discomfort and a lot of itching.
9 – Waterborne diseases
Some of the most common causes of diarrhea in children are typhoid and dysentery. Therefore, parents must always have access to bottled water when traveling with children.
10 – RASHES & BLISTERS:
Children are more likely to suffer from sunburns, illnesses, and allergies in the hot, humid summer months because of their overexposure to the elements. Applying a cold compress to the affected area is the most common method of treating these skin irritations. Avoid using any oil-based items that could clog your sweat glands and make things even worse. Consult with your doctor before using steroid-based creams to alleviate itching and irritation. Keep your kids cool and dry by using fans or air conditioners to keep them from getting rashes from the heat and humidity. During the summer, please encourage them to dress comfortably and loosely.
11 – Viral Cold & Cough
In the summer heat, who among us can resist ice cream, refreshing beverages, and tempting roadside fare? This is also a time when the air is very dry, making them more susceptible to infection by a virus. When a virus runs rampant, symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat, and coughing fit the bill.
Typically, a good night’s sleep, plenty of water, and saline drops are needed to get better. However, if the symptoms don’t go away, you might want to see a doctor.
12 – INSECTS BITE:
Insects and mosquitoes thrive in warm weather. When your children play outside, you are more likely to be bitten by insects like mosquitoes. To avoid attracting bees and other insects, keep your children away from locations with many weeds and plants. Insect repellent should be applied to children before they leave the house. Do not forget to wash their hands and legs with soap after returning.
13 – Prickly Heat
I think we’ve come up with the perfect term for a summer illness. When the skin pores become clogged due to excessive sweating, raised pimples appear. And they’re thorny, too!
Make sure to use a chemical-free talcum powder to alleviate the problem. As far as feasible, dress your child in loose-fitting cotton clothing.
14 – Asthma
Asthma episodes are on the rise at this time of year, whether due to air pollution, extreme heat and humidity, high pollen levels, or an increase in microbial development. In addition, other respiratory ailments or infections may potentially affect your child.
