Parents urged to safeguard children against extreme heat

2026-03-24 - 02:24

Health authorities have urged parents to take extra precautions to prevent dehydration in children due to the prevailing extreme heat conditions. Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo – Dr. Deepal Perera, advised that children should be given plenty of fluids throughout the day. Further elaborating, Dr. Perera said, “If children are exposed to the sun, especially during school sports activities, these conditions can occur. Therefore, it is important to ensure they drink plenty of water and consume natural fluids. If symptoms like drowsiness, loss of appetite, or body pains occur, they should be given more fluids. Skin conditions such as rashes are also likely to increase during this period, so children should be bathed at least twice a day. Allowing them to stay in water for about 20 minutes is beneficial and can help prevent such skin issues. Children who take part in running events or school sports without proper hydration may develop dehydration or even heatstroke. Heatstroke can affect vital organs such as the heart and brain, leading to symptoms like seizures and fainting. In severe cases, it can even result in death.’’