Dehydration in teenagers most often occurs during the summer months and is more common in teens who participate in endurance or team sports, such as running or soccer. Without prompt treatment, dehydration can lead to heatstroke, seizures, brain swelling, shock, kidney failure, coma or death. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dehydration in teens are similar to those in adults. Mild to moderate dehydration causes thirst, dry skin, headache, constipation, dizziness and tiredness. The mouth may be dry and sticky and crying produces little or no tears. Dehydrated teenagers urinate less frequently, going eight or more hours without using the bathroom. Severe dehydration may cause low blood pressure, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat and breathing, extreme thirst, confusion, irritability and fever. Urination, sweating and tear production will nearly or completely stop and the skin will appear shriveled and won't bounce back into normal position when pinched.
Causes
Most dehydration in teenagers occurs after prolonged vomiting, fever or diarrhea. Excessive sweating without replacement of fluids is another common cause, especially among teens who participate in sports. Increased urination due to diabetes, use or abuse of diuretics, or medications such as some psychiatric drugs, antihistamines and blood pressure medications, are other possible causes. Having a chronic illness, involvement in endurance sports and living in a high altitude increase the risk of dehydration in teenagers.
Prevention
Waiting until dehydration occurs makes it more difficult to treat. It is important to drink extra fluids before, during and after exercise, especially when excessive sweating is expected. Keep in mind, however, that it is possible to drink too much liquid. Drinking too much can lead to a potentially fatal condition called hyponatremia that occurs when blood sodium levels drop too low. Proper management of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, and wearing clothing that permits heat to escape from the body during activity are also beneficial.
Treatment
Teenagers can treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more water or replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes with an oral rehydration solution. Avoiding caffeinated beverages, fruit juices and carbonated drinks is important, as these can worsen diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Intravenous fluids are almost always necessary for severe dehydration in teenagers, which makes prompt medical attention vital.
