Dehydration is a dangerous condition for both children and adults. Dehydration occurs when your child does not take in enough fluid to replace the fluid she loses during the day. Healthy adults may be able to successfully treat mild to moderate dehydration; however, elderly people and children need closer monitoring and care.
About Dehydration
Children can become dehydrated for a variety of reasons, including an illness characterized by vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Diabetes that is not well-controlled --- or that is undiagnosed --- can also cause dehydration, as can excessive sweating caused by exposure to hot, humid weather. Children who engage in sports are also vulnerable to dehydration; your child may not even know she's dehydrated and may need encouragement to replenish her liquids. KidsHealth says that in most cases, you can treat your dehydrated child at home with over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions during and after an illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Signs and Symptoms
Keep a careful eye on your child if you think he may be dehydrated. According to KidsHealth, thirst is not always an indicator, although thirst is one sign of dehydration. Look for markedly decreased urination or small amounts of dark urine output in older children. An absence of wet diapers in infants for 6 to 8 hours, or only a small amount of dark urine, is cause for concern. Babies may present with a sunken fontanelle --- the soft spot on top of the head. A dehydrated child has a dry, sticky mouth, sunken eyes and dry skin. Lethargy, irritability, crankiness and fussiness in infants and babies can also suggest dehydration. Another sign of dehydration is if your child cries but has no tears.
When To Act
The Mayo Clinic says you should call your child's pediatrician if you notice any signs or symptoms of dehydration and the dehydration is coupled with severe or persistent diarrhea and/or vomiting, bloody stool and extreme sleepiness or irritability. If your child is severely dehydrated, call 9-1-1 or take her to an emergency room immediately.
Dehydration Treatment
Unless dehydration persists or gets worse, you can treat it at home using a commercial oral rehydration solution, KidsHealth says. These are best for treating dehydrated kids who have a stomach bug. Homemade concoctions and other drinks like soda pop, water, tea, juice, gelatin, sports drinks and broth don't have the right combination of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium that these commercial formulas do. Give your child 1 tsp. to 2 tsp. every few minutes, and you can even administer the medicine between bouts of vomiting. Dehydrated infants can continue to be breastfed or formula fed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.
References
- KidsHealth; "Dehydration"; Dr. K. Cronan; November 2010
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Healthy Children -- Diarrhea; May 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Dehydration Causes and Symptoms
- "American Family Physician";"Diagnosis and Management of Dehydration in Children"; A. Canava and B. Arant; October 2009
- Cleveland Clinic: Dehydration in Children
