Child Dehydration

Signs of Dehydration

Sometimes, children can become dehydrated due to illness. If your child is experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they may be losing water faster than they can take it in. Sweating due to intensive physical activity or outdoor heat can also lead to a child becoming dehydrated. There are a number of signs of dehydration to look out for in your child. These include:

• ✓A dry, sticky mouth
• ✓No tears when crying
• ✓Decreased need to urinate
• ✓Dark urine
• ✓Dizziness or exhaustion
• ✓Sunken eyes

When to Seek Treatment

Dehydration in children can be mild, moderate, or severe. If your child is mildly or moderately dehydrated after exercising or being outside in the heat, give them water or a sports drink and have them rest in the shade or indoors. This is often enough to rectify the issue, but if they're still experiencing symptoms after hours, seek out urgent care. Children who are suffering from an illness like gastroenteritis may become moderately or even severely dehydrated. Signs that you should take them to urgent care for dehydration treatment include:

• ✓Fever over 101 degrees
• ✓Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• ✓Diarrhea for more than 48 hours
• ✓Confusion and weakness

Dehydration Treatment

If your child is severely dehydrated, a doctor may give them IV fluids to ensure that they are rehydrated as quickly as possible. In cases of mild or moderate dehydration, your doctor may recommend giving your child a liquid oral rehydration solution, which contains a mixture of salts and sugars. These solutions can be purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store without a doctor's prescription.