Summer can affect people of all ages, and even children are not untouched by it. This season is not only attributed to extreme heat and temperature but also increased risk of infections. It is common for children to get health problems during summer, as their immune system is still developing. To know more about the health conditions children are prone to during summer, we spoke to Dr Prachi Bhosale, Paediatrician, Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospital, Marathahali, Bengaluru.
Dehydration and Sunburn
Dr Bhosale said, "During the summer holidays, kids happily play outside in harsh sunlight continuously without drinking an adequate amount of water, which can cause high body temperatures, sometimes leading to sunstroke and dehydration." She added, "During this time, the water content in their body falls, causing disorientation, fainting, and dry mouth."
Here's what Dr Bhosale advised to follow to prevent dehydration and sunburn.
Dr Bhosale said, "Parents should try to keep their kids indoors when the sunlight is harsh." She added, "Keep them hydrated by giving them a variety of juices or Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)."
Conjunctivitis
Children can also develop conjunctivitis or pink eyes during summer. Dr Bhosale said, "A variety of viruses become active during sunlight, causing pink eye." It can also be caused by unhealthy behaviours, like touching eyes with dirty hands, she added.
She said, "When a child suffers from conjunctivitis, it leads to redness itching, eye swelling, and sometimes discharge from both eyes."
You can prevent conjunctivitis during summer by following these doctor-recommended tips.
Dr Bhosale said, "Parents should ensure their kids maintain hygiene during playtime, like washing their hands." She added that kids should also avoid touching eyes and face during the play unnecessarily. "If your kid develops severe conjunctivitis, parents can also go for eye drops prescribed by a medical professional," she added.
Ear Infection
Many kids enjoy swimming in summer. Dr Bhosale said, "Playing for long hours in a contaminated and unhygienic pool can cause ear infections." She said, "The water gets trapped in the child’s ear, triggering bacterial ear infections, causing severe itching, pain, and discharge from the ears."
On prevention measures, Dr Bhosale said, "Parents should ensure their kids swim in a well-maintained pool and use earplugs." She added that antibacterial ear drops can also help prevent infections.
Also Read: Summer Eye Care: Here's How You Can Protect Them From The Sun
Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Dr Bhosale said, "During hot summer, it is common for children to consume cold drinks, ice cream, and junk food in excessive quantities." She added that during summer, kids’ immunity is low, which leads to problems, such as viral fever, runny nose, cold, cough, headache, and difficulty in breathing." These conditions can also be caused because of dry air, she added.
She said, "To prevent it, eat healthy food, drink lots of fluids, take adequate rest, and medication for common cough, cold, and fever."
Urinary Tract Infection
According to Dr Bhosale, "Along with the skin and gastrointestinal system, summer affects our excretory system too." She added that due to less water consumption, children can develop Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), causing pain and burning while urination, cramps in the abdomen, increased frequency of urination, and sometimes high fever.
To prevent these conditions, the expert recommended drinking enough water. She added, "Children should keep their body cool by drinking buttermilk, coconut water, curd, and fruit juices." Along with this ensure that children also maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.]