Deyhdration

What is dehydration?

When a child’s body has less fluid than it should for proper and healthy functioning, the child is dehydrated. It can happen for many reasons and can often become a more serious concern. Small children often can’t put into words how they are feeling so it’s very important to be alert to recognize the symptoms of dehydration when they appear.

What causes dehydration in children?

Many different ailments can cause dehydration in children. The most common are excessive diarrhea, vomiting, increased urination, and a reduced desire to eat or drink.

If you notice your child peeing more and drinking less or not at all, take notice. The many reasons that a child might experience any of these symptoms include:

·       Bacterial infections

·       Viral infections

·       Parasitic infections

·       Excessive heat

·       Uncontrolled diabetes

·       Things that limit appetite or thirst

If you see any of these symptoms of dehydration, don’t wait to seek medical help.

What are the symptoms of dehydration in a child?

While the causes might be different, they can often cause similar symptoms. These include

·       Dry diapers

·       Decreased tears when crying

·       Less urination

·       Eyes appearing sunken

·       Dry mouth or tongue

·       Excessive fatigue

·       Increased crying

·       Abdominal pain

Again, it’s important to recognize these symptoms as your child might not be able to describe how they feel. If you’re concerned that your child is dehydrated, seek a proper diagnosis and treatment right away.

How is dehydration treated in children?

The Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating dehydration in children. Diagnosis includes blood and urine tests. The test results help determine if the child is dehydrated and what’s causing it.

Treatment includes rehydrating with increased fluid intake using something like Pedialyte® to replace lost electrolytes. More serious cases call for intravenous fluid replacement. Further treatment of the underlying cause might also be necessary.

If you think your child is dehydrated, don’t wait. Call or go online to book an appointment today to get your child the medical care they need.

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