Texas heat: Warning signs every parent should know

AUSTIN (KXAN) – As students return to school over the next few weeks, many will be excited to return to the playground with their friends. But with the heat sticking around and many more triple digit days ahead, now is the time to talk to our kids about the signs of heat illness and exhaustion.

Dr. Kevin Smith, Emergency Medicine Physician at St. David’s Children’s Hospital spoke with KXAN about what we, and our children, should look for in regards to heat.

Read an edited version of the conversation below, or use the video player above to listen.

Freddy Vela: Let’s start with the basics. What are some of the key signs of heat exhaustion or heat-related illness that parents and kids should be aware of during the school day?

Dr. Kevin Smith: Well, we’ve hit that classic Texas August when it feels like summer just won’t end. Some early signs I look for in kids exposed to heat include excessive sweating, increased thirst, and one parents may not immediately think about—fewer trips to the bathroom. That can be a sign of dehydration. Paying attention to those cues is really important.

Vela: That’s great advice. So how can parents talk to their kids about staying safe in the heat, especially when they’re at school and not under direct supervision?

Dr. Smith: It all starts with preparation. Make sure your child is well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest. Just as importantly, teach them to listen to their body. If they feel tired, dizzy, or just don’t want to play anymore, that’s their body signaling something’s wrong. Encourage them to speak up—tell a teacher or counselor right away if they’re not feeling well and need to go inside.

Vela: Are there specific groups of children who are more vulnerable to heat, and how can we make sure they get the support they need?

Dr. Smith: Absolutely. Kids with asthma, for instance, may find that heat worsens their symptoms, so they should always have access to their inhaler and know how to use it. Also, any child with chronic medical conditions—especially those affecting the kidneys or blood pressure—needs extra attention. These children should be monitored more closely and removed from hot environments before any symptoms of heat exhaustion start to appear.

Dr. Smith also adds, “One thing I think will be important to emphasize is seeing how often your child is going to the bathroom to urinate. One of the first signs of dehydration is decreased urine output because the body is trying to conserve liquid.”