Dangers Awaiting Children In The Summer

Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Pediatrics / Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist Assoc. Dr. Sare Güntülü Şık talked about the 5 dangers that await children in the summer; made important suggestions and warnings.

Child Health and Diseases / Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist Dr. Stylish said the following about 5 dangers:

"Sun stroke

The state of fatigue and exhaustion caused by exposure to high temperatures for a long time is defined as sunstroke. In this table, the child; fever, weakness, pallor, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting and changes in consciousness can be seen. In case of heat stroke, the child must be taken to a shaded and cool place. Then you should take off his clothes and cool his body with a wet cloth. It is also very important to give water if he is conscious and able to drink. If you have a convulsion due to drowsiness, altered consciousness or fever, you should take it to the nearest hospital immediately.

How should it be protected?

• Make sure your child consumes plenty of fluids without waiting for thirst.
• Do not expose it to the sun between 11.00:15.00 and XNUMX:XNUMX when the sun is at its peak.
• Prefer thin, cotton and light-colored clothes, especially at noon when the sun is most effective.
• Always wear a hat to protect your head from the sun.
• Take frequent warm showers and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage and burns. In mild burns (1st degree), redness, tenderness and pain develop on the skin. In this case, painkillers, moisturizers and plenty of fluid consumption are sufficient. In more severe burns, water vesicles, fever, nausea, vomiting and swelling in the burn area can be added to the table as a result of severe water collection. In this case, he warns that it is necessary to apply to the nearest health institution, as electrolyte imbalance and convulsions may develop due to dehydration (fluid loss).

How should it be protected?

• Keep out of the sun between 11.00:15.00 and XNUMX:XNUMX when the sun is at its peak.
• Choose sunscreens with a high protection factor (+50 factor).
• Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun and repeat this process every 2 hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to prevent the sun from harming the eyes.

Fly and insect bites

Although fly and insect bites cause complaints such as skin rash, itchy blisters and pain, the complaints usually pass in a short time. However, it can be more severe in allergic children. Especially bee stings can be life threatening by causing shock picture called anaphylaxis in allergic children. Wash the bitten area with soap and water to avoid the risk of infection. Ice application will also reduce pain and itching. The first thing you should do in a bee sting is to remove the sting to prevent the venom from spreading. However, do not remove the sting by squeezing the skin, as more poison may spread throughout the body. In tick bites, it is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible without any intervention.

How should it be protected?

• Use net mosquito nets on doors and windows, mosquito nets on the bed and protective nets for strollers.
• Do not wear short-sleeved and short-legged clothing outdoors as flies and insects can enter your body.
• Avoid clothes with flowers and colors that resemble flowers, such as pink, yellow and red, which may attract bees.
• Apply natural ingredients to your skin.
• Do not use creams or colognes that may emit a floral scent.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a condition that occurs as a result of consumption of foods containing bacteria, viruses, toxins or chemicals and can cause serious health problems in children. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness may occur within 6-24 hours after food intake. While most of them recover spontaneously, in severe poisonings (especially accompanied by severe fluid loss-dehydration) it is necessary to apply to the nearest health institution.

How should it be protected?

• Avoid foods that have been left open.
• Do not buy meat and meat products and milk and dairy products from untrusted places.
• If you are going to eat out, choose places that comply with the hygiene rules.
• Cook the easily perishable risky foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, milk and dairy products for the appropriate time and temperature, do not keep the cooked food at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
• Do not consume poorly washed vegetables and fruits, unclean drinking water and unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• To thaw frozen foods, take them to the refrigerator the day before and thaw them at 0-4°C or in microwave ovens, and do not refreeze the thawed foods.
• Do not reheat a food that you have warmed by removing it from the refrigerator and putting it back in the refrigerator.

summer diarrhea

Common summer diarrhea in children can be caused by swallowing unclean pool or sea water, consuming foods that are not cleaned or stored under appropriate conditions, foods washed with dirty water or dirty water, and foods that come into contact with flies or insects. Watery stools; It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness. As in poisonings, if fluid and mineral loss is not replaced in diarrhea, serious health problems may develop. For this reason, oral and, if necessary, intravenous fluid therapy is required to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes in diarrhea. If bacterial causes are considered according to the stool examination results in microbial diarrhea, appropriate antibiotic treatment is administered. In general, fluid replacement, gastric protective drugs, and the use of appropriate probiotics to restore intestinal flora are sufficient in viral infections. During this period, heavy and fatty foods should not be eaten, and foods that increase bowel movements should be avoided.

How should it be protected?

• Pay attention to frequent hand washing and personal hygiene rules.
• Make sure she consumes clean liquids and fresh foods.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Make sure fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed in clean water.
• Wash their bottles every time and do not use any stored formula.
• Avoid foods that are served in the open buffet.
• Avoid pools that you are not sure of their cleanliness. “