We will talk about acclimatization . What is this? Under what conditions is this possible, what are the symptoms and how should we treat possible conditions? How does acclimatization take place in children at sea and beyond?

The child at sea goes through acclimatization - getting used to the new climatic conditions of the child's body

Summer is in full swing. True, it is very warm in our latitudes, but there is a way out - to go to sea . It is an indisputable fact that sea water and air have a beneficial effect on the body, especially on that of the child . But before we go to sea , we must think about the unpleasant moments during a vacation at sea for the child . What is acclimatization ?

Acclimatization of children is an adaptation or reorganization of the body for new environmental conditions (climate, humidity, atmospheric pressure, length of day, etc.). This is stress for the whole organism. Over time, when the child is constantly in one climate, all systems in his body begin to function according to geographical location, season, food, water regime. If even these conditions change a little, the child 's body will definitely need time to adapt . And if the changes are small, then the manifestations may be small . But if climate change is great, we must be prepared for acclimatization with the symptoms below. Especially many children under the age of three are subject to acclimatization , and it is not in vain that all pediatricians recommend making small climate changes to this age group. This is due to the fact that the child's immune system is still being formed, the change in conditions is perceived by her as an irritant and she begins to react with the corresponding symptoms.

We take into account the average data, the acclimatization of the sea in children can last up to 10 days. This must be taken into account when choosing a place and time to rest . Very often when vacationing at sea for ten days it happens that the child is constantly snoring or coughing , or has a digestive disorder . And everything is fine with him and he feels better, and you have to leave, and when you return home, the child gets hot and worse again.

We assure you that acclimatization is a completely normal process for any organism, especially for children.

Acclimatization - stages

The acclimatization of children at sea is three: initial stage, reactivity stage, leveling stage Acclimatization has three stages:

  1. Initial stage - when the child changes the climatic conditions. It does not appear in the beginning, in principle this stage lasts 1-2 days.
  2. Stage of high reactivity - active manifestation of the symptoms of acclimatization .
  3. Stage of equalization - normalization of the child 's condition.

There is another stage - full acclimatization . Occurs when moving to a new location. This acclimatization can take up to a year. It appears insignificant after the second stage.

So, you have been warned, so you are armed!

Symptoms of acclimatization: how do they manifest in children?

  1. Fever - one of the most common symptoms. the use of antipyretics at temperatures below 38.5 degrees is inappropriate. In general, the temperature during acclimatization passes within 2-3 days. Over-the-counter antipyretics must be active or paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  2. Loss of appetite - it is perfectly normal if the child immediately after the flight refuses to eat as usual. His body is now losing strength for more pressing issues. If the child is on a puree , you can take with you and offer him some of them. The most important thing in this period is not to eat, but to drink and not cocktails, smoothies, juices, soda, and plain water. Note that the water in different countries is very different and it is best for a child under 3 years to take water from where you will go to the sea , at least for the first stage of acclimatization .
  3. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract - due to changes in nutrition, food quality and fluid intake in a child may appear diarrhea or, conversely, constipation . In the first case, you should give your child an oral dehydration product because he loses a lot of fluids. In the latter case, you can use candles with glycerin or enema for children . They are the safest for children. If the child suffers from disorders of the pancreas or liver, gallbladder, etc., before going to sea , you need to take specific medications prescribed by a doctor.
  4. In order to reduce the symptoms of acclimatization of children at sea, the food must be of good quality Sleep disorders during acclimatization . Very often children can react in two ways: either to sleep very little and restless , or to be constantly sleepy , to look constantly tired and to constantly try to lie down. In the first case, the emotional tension of the child should be reduced - before going to bed, he should play calmly. In the second case, do not force your child to have fun, it is better to give him some time to rest . If we have to compare, it is more dangerous for the child to change the time zone than the weather conditions. It is in the first case that sleep disorders appear much more clearly. For children under 3 years it is best to choose a seaside resort in the same time zone.
  5. Decreased immunity . During this period, the child's body is exposed to various viral infectious diseases that can easily be confused with acclimatization . But in any case, the virus requires only symptomatic adequate treatment . Parents also need to know the ways to provide emergency care when vacationing with a child at sea to avoid complications. For example, if the child has bathed in the sea at will, but then complains that his ear hurts, he should be given vasodilator drops in the nose and thus reduce the pressure in the ear to prevent otitis. These symptoms are very common in children under 7 years of age , but can also occur in older children.
  6. Weakness, increased fatigue .
  7. Mood swings, which can be very abrupt.
  8. Fear and anxiety .
  9. Decreased physical and mental capacity of the child (of course, temporarily due to stress. As soon as the child adapts to new conditions, all his knowledge and abilities will return).

After all these symptoms, the question may arise: " Is acclimatization dangerous for the child ?". It is not dangerous at all if you approach responsibly and reduce the risks to a minimum.

How is acclimatization of a child treated at sea?

  1. At temperature - temperature lowering.
  2. In ENT infections : drops to dilate the vessels in the nose. However, they are used only when the child is snoring, but when flying. You need to drip them beforehand so that the child can withstand the change in pressure when gaining height and especially when landing. Syrups and cough tablets are used for sore throat and cough (it is advisable to consult a doctor).
  3. Digestive disorders (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation) - oral hydration, suppositories with glycerin, enemas.
  4. Everything else is calm for the child and limiting emotional entertainment before bedtime .

In order for the symptoms of acclimatization in the child to be minimal, you need to follow some rules and then both you and the child will receive only positive emotions at sea .

Before the sea, the child must harden and strengthen his immune system

Rules for children at sea:

  • The duration of the holiday at sea should be at least two weeks for the child , and for a positive effect and treatment with sea water is recommended even 3 weeks. Not in vain the sanatorium treatment lasts 21 days.
  • Changes in time zones are not recommended for children under the age of three , in extreme cases - with a difference of up to 3 hours.
  • It is best to travel with a child to the sea by train or car - so the body gets used to it gradually.
  • If the holiday at sea is planned, you must strengthen and harden the child's body early , it is best a month before leaving for the sea, and in general it is best to do it all year round.
  • The child's diet should be varied and vitamin.
  • You should avoid low temperatures .
  • Be sure to use sunscreen for children with SPF 50 and do not stay with the child on the beach in the sun between 11.00 and 16.00.
  • It is advisable to choose the resort for the holiday so that you arrive in the evening. This will make it easier for the body to adapt to the new conditions.

We want to warn you that when you return home, the child will still have to get used to the conditions and acclimatization may occur after the sea . If you are ready for this, the symptoms will not be so terrible for you.