Beware of Summer Illnesses Common in Children!

Parents have been taking many precautions recently to protect themselves and their children from COVID-19. However, among the dangers awaiting children during summer, there is not only coronavirus but also summer illnesses and accidents. Although the time spent on sunny summer days, in green areas or at sea is enjoyable, if not careful, it can bring many adverse situations. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Tutak from the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Diseases at Memorial Şişli Hospital provided information about summer illnesses seen in children and accidents frequently occurring during this period.  

Dry mouth and weakness indicate heat stroke

During vacation, children spend a significant portion of their time outdoors. Whether in a park, by the sea or in a pool, attention should be paid to how long and during which hours of the day this time is spent. Noon hours, when the sun is directly overhead and its rays fall perpendicularly to the ground, are the most risky time period for heat stroke. Especially during these hours, engaging in play and staying in the sun for long periods can cause fluid loss. If heat stroke is suspected, attention should be paid to these symptoms:

• Dry mouth
• Weakness, exhaustion, fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• In advanced stages, fainting, loss of consciousness

 

Increase fluid intake if heat stroke occurs

Staying indoors or spending time in the shade during noon hours, when risk is highest, are the most important measures that can be taken against heat stroke. However, if children show symptoms, they should be allowed to rest in a cool place immediately. Children should be fed in small amounts and frequently. Fluid intake should be increased and pain relievers containing paracetamol should be given to children who can express headache. Additionally, bathing in lukewarm water will also be beneficial.  

Unhygienic food can disrupt the digestive system

During summer months, due to increased water consumption, the stomach's acid content becomes somewhat diluted. Microbes taken with poorly washed food from the mouth easily pass into the intestines. This causes a large number of microbes to develop in the intestines and increases intestinal movements, leading to diarrhea or vomiting. Depending on the type of microbe ingested, sometimes bloody diarrhea and fever can occur. In this case, medical attention should be sought without delay. Mild diarrhea cases can be treated at home.  

Sugar, salt and bicarbonate mixture helps with diarrhea

In all types of diarrhea, the amount of fluid lost must be replaced. During this process, attention should be paid to consuming plenty of water. Besides this, a mixture of sugar, salt, bicarbonate and water can be prepared after consulting a doctor. In the treatment of diarrhea without blood, taking water orally in small amounts and frequently is important. In case of vomiting, the lost fluid is replaced intravenously. Therefore, medical attention should be sought. With diarrhea, fruit juices and acidic beverages should also be avoided.  

Tick risk is high in picnic areas

It is very important to take precautions against tick danger during summer months. Especially after spending a weekend in a picnic area, if a black dot is seen stuck to the skin, a doctor must be consulted immediately. The tick, with its head buried in the skin, grows gradually by feeding on the blood it draws from there. The most feared disease from tick bites is "Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever". However, not every tick carries this microbe. In Turkey, particularly the interior of Central Anatolia and the interior of the Black Sea region, the Tokat area are where disease-carrying ticks live.  

Health center should be visited to remove a tick

When a tick is found on the body, a health center should be consulted. It is important that the tick be removed by a specialist experienced in this matter. Additionally, a blood count should be performed and if there are any symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or weakness, these should be evaluated. Although scorpion and snake bites are no longer frequently encountered, a doctor should be consulted to distinguish whether they are poisonous or not.

Apply lavender oil solutions to clothing

In cases of ant, flea, bedbug and mosquito bites, precautions should be taken beforehand. Especially if going to a place where such pests are abundant, repellent lavender oil can be obtained from pharmacies. This oil should preferably be applied to children's clothes before going outside. If biting occurs despite precautions taken, an antihistamine syrup to prevent itching and a locally applied itch-relieving ointment will provide relief to the child.  

Impacts should be treated with ice

The second period when children are most frequently exposed to falls and impacts is the crawling period and especially when they are just beginning to walk. The home environment should be adjusted for the child who is newly crawling and beginning to walk, electrical outlets located low should be closed with child locks, and sharp and cutting objects in the surrounding area should be removed. For bruises resulting from minor impacts, ice application prevents subcutaneous bleeding from collecting and spreading, and relieves pain. If there is a bleeding wound, a tampon should be placed over it and a doctor should be consulted.  

Prefer the sea to pools

Children entering pools may not be recommended, especially recently due to the coronavirus threat. In contrast, seas whose cleanliness is assured can be preferred. However, attention should be paid to the hours water is entered and the time spent in the sea. The sea should not be visited at times when sun rays are falling perpendicularly; sunscreen appropriate for children should be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes before going outside and renewed each time entering and exiting the sea. Additionally, support should be obtained from physical protectors such as hats and sunglasses.  

Prepare a first aid kit before going on vacation

On vacation, it is beneficial to take precautions in advance both to keep your child happy and against any possible accidents or illnesses. For this, a vacation-specific first aid kit can be prepared. This kit should especially contain:

• A sunscreen with high protective factor to protect against sunburns.
• A fever-reducing syrup containing paracetamol and a thermometer for febrile illness.
• Mosquito repellent solution and antihistamine against insect bites.
• An anti-nausea thermometer for gastrointestinal infections.
• A powder or drops containing protective prebiotics for diarrhea.
• An ice pack to be placed over the area in some traumas.
• Sterile gauze for open and bleeding wounds until reaching a doctor.