Doctor Anatoly Malyshev, from the Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care at the Pirogov Institute of Nuclear Medicine, warned that dehydration develops in children much faster compared to adults, calling on parents to be fully vigilant during the summer.

The doctor revealed a set of warning signs that parents should monitor, most notably: decreased urination rate, dry lips and tongue, absence of tears when crying, unusual lethargy, refusal to drink fluids, sunken fontanelle in infants, as well as excessive drowsiness or severe irritability. He stressed the need to consult a doctor immediately upon the appearance of any of these symptoms.

Regarding physical activity in hot weather, Malyshev explained that intense exercise under direct sunlight increases the risk of dehydration and overheating, advising to postpone sports to early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

The doctor identified signs that require immediate cessation of exercise, namely: dizziness, nausea, severe weakness, chills, loss of balance, or cessation of sweating. He pointed to the importance of replenishing lost fluids with small, regular amounts during physical activity, rather than waiting until after it ends, according to the Russian news agency TASS.

He emphasized that prevention of overheating and dehydration is based on three main pillars: maintaining fluid balance in the body and not ignoring thirst, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and wearing light, summer-appropriate clothing.

Malyshev concluded that children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases are the groups most susceptible to the effects of high temperatures, and they require special care during heat waves.