How to Spot Dehydration in Young Children

A simple stomach virus can turn into so much more with young children. Just the simple fluid loss normally associated with vomiting or diarrhea leads to dehydration, which throws electrolytes out of balance. Severe dehydration requires hospitalization. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to death.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice when young children have episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. By the time a child feels thirst, she is already mildly dehydrated. Try different kinds of liquids if your child refuses to eat or drink. Sometimes a clear soft drink goes down better than water. But when a child refuses to eat or drink for awhile and shows other signs of dehydration, she needs to go to a hospital.

• 2

  Watch for sunken eyes, a sign of moderate dehydration that means it's time to call his doctor. In babies, look for a sunk soft spot, the fontanel, at the front of her head.

• 3

  Check your child's urine output. Urine should be clear or pale yellow. Increase fluids if urine begins to darken. Moderate dehydration develops when urine turns dark yellow and output decreases. If a child cannot urinate or cries without tears, she needs immediate treatment.

• 4

  Look at your child's mouth. A dry or sticky mouth and tongue indicate dehydration. If lips adopt a blue tinge, take him to the nearest emergency room.

• 5

  Evaluate how your child acts. Fatigue and irritability increase with dehydration. Confusion means severe dehydration.

• 6

  Watch your child's skin. With mild dehydration, her skin may appear flushed. As dehydration worsens, skin compresses. Pinch her skin. If it stays pinched, she is moderately dehydrated. Seek emergency treatment if skin turns blotchy with cold hands and feet.

• 7

  Listen to your child's complaints. Headaches usually come with dehydration. Young children suffering from moderate dehydration may also complain about cramps or stiffness. When rapid breathing, weak pulse, dizziness and high fever join these signs, he needs immediate treatment.