When
our body loses more fluid than the amount it absorbs, our body becomes
dehydrated. Dehydration can occur in both adults and children. However, children
are more susceptible to volume depletion and
dehydration as their bodies lose fluids much faster because their metabolic
rate is higher. They are also prone to diarrhoea, which is one of the causes of
dehydration.
Common
Causes of Dehydration in Children
The fluids in our body are regularly
eliminated through tears, sweat and excretion. For children, some of the
reasons why they can become dehydrated include:
·
Too
much sweating from physical activities
·
Diarrhoea,
vomiting and fever (water evaporates from the body due to high temperature),
which are commonly caused by acute gastroenteritis
·
Excessive
fluid loss through burns on the skin
·
Inadequate
water intake during hot weather
·
Other
illnesses that hinder them from taking sufficient amount of fluids
Symptoms of Dehydration
Infants and small children are also more vulnerable to dehydration
because they are unable to communicate easily, and parents can have
difficulties understanding what they feel. For this reason, it is important
that parents are able to identify the symptoms of dehydration:
·
Dry
tongue or mouth
·
Few
or no tears when crying
·
Fussiness
and irritability (cries more often)
·
Sunken
eyes
·
Rapid
heart rate
·
Sunken
fontanel (the soft spot on top of an infant's head)
·
Decreased
amount of urine, usually dark yellow in colour
·
No
urine for at least 6 hours in infants and 8 hours in children
Dehydration in children can be mild, moderate or severe. When
there is severe dehydration, the symptoms become more obvious, such as dry
skin, sticky mouth, decreased alertness and weakened pulse.
What to Do About Dehydration
·
If
your child is severely dehydrated, call for medical assistance immediately. On
the other hand, most cases of mild to moderate dehydration can be treated at home by increasing your child's fluid
intake.
·
If
your child is not vomiting, normal food and liquid intake should be given to
ensure that they replenish the lost fluids. Your paediatrician may also
recommend rehydration drinks to help normalise their body's fluid levels.
·
Infants
who are vomiting repeatedly should be given oral rehydration solution (ORS) in
small amounts (about one tablespoon) every 15 to 20 minutes. Children over one
year old should be given one to two tablespoons of ORS, electrolyte rehydration ice block or clear broth every 15 to 20 minutes.
·
Seek
medical help if vomiting persists, or if diarrhoea continues for over six hours
for infants less than 6 months, and over 12 hours for children above 6 months.
·
If your child is dehydrated due to
strenuous physical activities, give them as much water as they need and make
sure they get enough rest. Sports drinks may also be an option to help replace
electrolytes.
Preventing Dehydration in
Children
Parents can help prevent their children from being dehydrated by
ensuring that they always get enough water and fluids for their daily
activities. It is hard to tell how much water your child really needs, as this
may depend on several factors. But generally, you must always include healthy
fluids in their daily diet.
You should also:
·
Make
sure they drink plenty of water during the warmer seasons
·
Keep
them hydrated for strenuous activities by letting them drink often, even before
they feel thirsty
·
Frequently
give them small amounts of fluids when they are sick
·
Only
use clear fluids for rehydration if your child is vomiting
