Dehydration in children.

Hi,

                    The body needs water to help maintain body temperature, make bodily fluids and for day-to-day functioning. We lose a small amount of fluid from the body every day which is normal and this water loss from the body is easily compensated by water that enters the body through food and water.

                    However, When the body loses too much water then it leads to a deficient state called ‘Dehydration’.Dehydration happens when more fluid leaves the body than enters it.Babies and younger children are at greater risk of dehydration because their bodies are smaller and they have smaller fluid reserves. Dehydration can happen slowly or quickly, depending on how the fluid is lost and the age of the child.

Causes of Dehydration in children:
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Some of the causes of dehydration in children are:

- Hot weather.
- Lots of physical activity and exercise.
- Not drinking enough water or fluids.
- Fever.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Dehydration in children:
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Some of the symptoms of dehydration in children are:

- Dry, cracked lips and a dry mouth.

- Passes less urine than normal, no urine for eight to 12 hours, or dark-coloured urine.

- Drowsiness or irritability.

- Cold or dry skin.

- Low energy levels, seeming very weak or limp.

- No tears when crying.

- Sunken eyes or sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby's -head.

Treating Dehydration in children:
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                    Mild dehydration in children because of excessive activity and heat can be easily treated at home by providing them with lots of water, juices, energy drinks and fruits that are high in water content.

                    Mild to moderate dehydration in children because of vomiting, diarrhoea is treated with a special liquid called an ‘oral rehydration solution’ or ‘ORS’. It has the right combination of sugar and salts that dehydrated children need. Children can be made to take small sips on ORS gradually to get them rehydrated, spoon and oral syringes can be used when needed. A breastfed infant should continue to be nursed, ORS can be given to infants in between feedings.

                    In cases of severe dehydration in children, when fluid losses can't be replaced they might need to get intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital.One must consult the doctor immediately when there is no improvement in hydration levels in children, when treating dehydration at home.

Prevention of Dehydration in children:
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Following are some of the steps that we can follow to prevent dehydration in children :

- Make sure you give children lots of water regularly to keep them hydrated enough.

- Include fruits and vegetables high in water content.

- Give them fruit juices and smoothies. Giving energy drinks during exercise and excessive activity.

- Avoid playing outside when the sun is really hot.

- During illness, make sure to give them lots of fluid.

- Cloth children according to weather conditions and use light breathable clothing.

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