Dehydration in Children

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