Heat-related emergency department visits in children and teens have more than doubled over the past decade in Texas children’s hospitals, as presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference. The increasing heat-related illnesses in children are linked to record-breaking temperatures due to climate change. A study showed a 170% increase in heat-related encounters from 2012 to 2023, with teenage boys being most affected by rhabdomyolysis. Prevention of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and rhabdomyolysis, is crucial, with efforts being made by AAP chapters to educate athletes and parents about the risks. Pediatricians are urged to focus on prevention and raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat on children.
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Heat-Related Pediatric ED Visits More Than Double
