Warning Signs a Person with Down Syndrome is Getting Overheated

Exercise is important for people with Down syndrome just as it is for all people. For all people, care must be taken to avoid overdoing it with exercise. Excessive sweating can be a sign to ease back, get a good drink of water, and cool down. However, some people with Down syndrome don’t sweat much and can get overheated more easily. It is important to watch for signs of overdoing exercise or overheating including:

• Complaint of being excessively hot
• Getting very red in the face
• Increasing fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Nausea
• Complaint of being cold
  • After exercising for a period of time and noting the person is getting quite warm, it is concerning when the complaint turns to being cold. Obviously, being outside in a cold environment for a prolonged time can be the cause, too.
• Dizziness

More concerning signs include:

• Passing out
• Confusion

Measures to avoid overheating:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid overdressing
• Limit exercise in very hot and humid conditions

If a person becomes mildly overheated, treat by:

• Stop exercising and rest in a cool place
• Drink cool liquids
• Apply cool water or wet cloth to the skin
• Loosen clothing

Get medical assistance if milder symptoms do not resolve in an hour or so with the above treatments, symptoms worsen, or more serious signs are seen.

Additional information is available in our article called Temperature Regulation in People with Down Syndrome.