Dehydration in children
Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much water. This can occur if a child loses large amounts of fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Dehydration decreases the amount of blood that circulates to the child's organs. Severe dehydration can cause shock, a life-threatening condition.
Dehydration in small children can develop rapidly and be very dangerous. Watch closely for early signs of dehydration any time your child has a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or is too sick to drink.
A young child will not be able to tell you if he or she is feeling dehydrated, so you must look for the symptoms.
A child with mild dehydration:
- Is fussy.
- Acts hungry or thirsty most of the time.
- Urinates less frequently than usual or needs fewer diaper changes. The urine will have a strong odour and be dark yellow.
A child with moderate dehydration:
- Has decreased interest in play.
- Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) in the head.
- Has sunken eyes with few tears. The child's mouth is dry, with little or no saliva.
- Appears to be very hungry or thirsty.
- Is irritable, agitated, or restless.
- Has not urinated for 8 hours or has urinated fewer than 3 times (had fewer than 3 wet diapers) in 24 hours.
- May have arms or legs that feel cool to the touch.
- May have a rapid heartbeat.
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call911or other emergency services immediately.
A child with severe dehydration:
- Has little or no interest in his or her surroundings.
- May be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake up.
- May be unconscious.
- Has a dry mouth and tongue. The child's tongue may look parched or cracked.
- Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head.
- Has sunken eyes without tears.
- Has fast breathing and a rapid heartbeat. You may not be able to feel the child's pulse.
- Has not urinated for more than 12 hours.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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