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Dehydration in Children
Dehydration is a loss of water and other important body
salts. It can happen to any child but it is most serious in newborns and
infants. You child should return to normal when the cause of the
dehydration is found and body fluids are replaced.
Severe vomiting or diarrhea can drain the body of fluid.
Fever, sweating and prolonged exposure to the sun are other possible
causes.
A dehydrated child may be sleepier than usual, urinate
less, have a dry mouth and cracked lips, cry without tears or seem dizzy.
With babies less than one year old, the soft spot on top of their head may
become sunken.
Lost liquids must be replaced. The child may need to be
put in the hospital for care and treatment.
What you should do
For the first 24 hours give
the child only clear fluids. Electrolyte solutions can be bought at the
grocery store or you can give gelatin water (a 3-ounce package in a
quart of water) or mixture made by adding 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1
tablespoon sugar to 1 pint of water.
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If the child is
vomiting, give fluid very slowly, starting with 1 or 2 teaspoons
every 10 minutes.
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If there is no vomiting
and the child is less than 1 year old, you may give 1 tablespoon
every 20 minutes.
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If there is no vomiting
and the child is over 1 year old, give 2 tablespoons every 30
minutes.
If there is no vomiting, you
may gradually return the child to his normal diet over the next 2 to 3
days.
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If a baby is taking only
formula, dilute it to 1/2 strength for the next 24 hours.
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If you are
breastfeeding, give the baby clear liquids for 2 feedings, then
start breastfeeding again.
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If you child is taking
solid food, begin with bland foods such as applesauce or bananas and
add other foods as tolerated. If the child is over 1 year old, do
not include milk, ice cream, butter or cheese in the diet for the
next 3 days.
Keep a record of how often
you change your baby's diaper and how wet it is each time.
Call the doctor if,
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For children less than 3
months old, call if the child's temperature goes above 100 degrees F
(37 degrees C).
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For children over 3
months old, call if the child's temperature goes above 102 degrees F
(39.4 degrees C)
Seek immediate care
if,
Your child has signs of worsening dehydration, including
listlessness, excessive thirst, little or no urination in more than 6
hours, no tears, wrinkled skin, dizziness, irritability, weight loss or
if the child is a baby, a sunken soft spot on the top of the head.
Source: The PDR Family Guide,
Encyclopedia of Medical Care (1997)
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