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Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration in a Child

Dehydration in children can happen for various reasons. Children can experience a loss of body fluid, which leads to the reduced ability for their body and organs to function, due to vomiting, diarrhea, illness and simply not drinking enough water. Recognizing dehydration in the early stages and understanding the importance of proper treatment can help prevent severe dehydration and possible hospitalization.

  1. Signs

    • Initial signs of dehydration in children include a dry tongue, dry lips and no tears when crying. Diapers can be an important gauge for determining if your infant or toddler is dehydrated. For infants, less than six wet diapers in a day may signal dehydration. Toddlers, on the other hand, may have no wet diaper for eight hours while dehydrated. Other signs children may exhibit during dehydration include dry and wrinkled skin, cool hands and feet and rapid breathing.

    Complications

    • Signs of severe dehydration are considered a medical emergency, and immediate medical treatment should be sought. Complications and indications of dehydration that require immediate medical help include fever, sunken eyes, extreme fussiness or sleepiness and a rapid heartbeat. In infants, you may notice a sunken spot on the top of the head. These symptoms can indicate the need for intravenous fluid to help aid in recovery and prevent additional complications.

    Symptom Relief

    • Any indication of dehydration in children should be reported to your physician. Your physician will provide you with specific directions to help your child recover from his bout with dehydration. This will include plenty of rest and the consumption of fluids. Particularly, drinks containing electrolytes may be recommended. Sugary drinks should be avoided, as they can make symptoms worse. Infants who are being breastfed should continue as normal. Toddlers and older children can return to a normal feeding schedule slowly, as recommended by your physician. Acetaminophen can be used to help treat and reduce fever.

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