Signs of dehydration in children: What to do? How to recognize them?

 How to recognize signs of dehydration in children?

 

Dehydration is a common condition in children, especially during the summer months or when they are sick. It occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly. It is even riskier when it involves a child who is exposed to it. Do not forget to give them water to drink and protect their head from the sun with an Anti-UV Bob or a swim cap!
 

In this article, we will give you concrete examples of signs of dehydration to recognize in babies, infants, and children in general. It is important to know how to recognize the signs of dehydration and how to act accordingly. Here are the main signs of dehydration to watch for in your little one:

 

💦 Thirst:

Thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration. The feeling of thirst indicates a lack of water in the child's body. If your child complains of thirst or constantly asks for something to drink, it may indicate that they are losing more fluids than they are consuming. Be sure to monitor their symptoms!

 

💦 Dry mouth:

Dry mouth is also a sign of dehydration in children. Dryness of the mucous membranes, especially the tongue and the inside of the cheeks, is an important indicator of dehydration, especially in the case of significant hydroelectrolytic loss. If your child's tongue and mouth are dry, it may be a sign that their body needs hydration.

 

💦 Reduced urination:

If your child urinates less frequently than usual or if their urine is darker, it may indicate that they are dehydrated. Monitoring the child's weight can detect weight loss related to dehydration, which is an important indicator of the severity of the situation. Dark and scanty urine is a sign that your child's body is retaining water to compensate for fluid loss. Rapid weight loss, greater than 1% per day, may indicate acute dehydration requiring quick intervention.

 

💦 Fatigue:

Fatigue and lethargy are also signs. If your child complains of fatigue or often falls asleep, it may indicate that their body needs more fluids.

 

💦 Dry skin:

Dry and wrinkled skin is another sign of dehydration. If your little one's skin seems dry and wrinkled, it may indicate that they are losing too much fluid.

 

💦 Sunken fontanelles:

Sunken fontanelles are a sign of dehydration in babies, infants, and newborns. The soft part of the skull, called the fontanelle, helps identify a severe state of dehydration in a baby. Fontanelles are the soft spaces between the skull bones, and when they are sunken, it may indicate the onset of dehydration.

 

Causes of dehydration in children

Dehydration in children can occur quickly, especially in young ones whose bodies are more sensitive to fluid loss. Several causes can lead to this imbalance: diarrhea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, fever, or excessive sweating during hot weather or intense physical activities. Inadequate nutrition, particularly insufficient intake of water or minerals, can also promote dehydration in children.

Children, due to their small size and proportionally larger body surface area, lose water and essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium more easily. These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the body, and their loss can worsen the state of dehydration. It is therefore important to remain vigilant, especially in cases of illnesses like gastroenteritis or during episodes of fever, which increase fluid loss. 🤒

Prevention of dehydration in children

Preventing dehydration in children is essential to maintain their health and well-being on a daily basis. For this, it is recommended to encourage regular hydration, by frequently offering water, even in the absence of thirst. Foods rich in water and electrolytes, such as certain fruits and vegetables, can also help maintain a good level of hydration.

Parents should be attentive to signs of dehydration, especially in cases of diarrhea, vomiting, or during hot weather. Maintaining a stable body temperature, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and limiting intense physical activities during heatwaves are important measures to prevent dehydration in children. ☀️ In cases of significant fluid loss, the use of oral rehydration solutions allows for the rapid compensation of water and electrolyte loss, and prevents complications.

 

What to do in case of dehydration in children?

It is important to quickly treat dehydration in children by offering them clear and easy-to-digest liquids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, or herbal teas. It is essential to balance fluid intake with losses to prevent dehydration, ensuring that fluid intake effectively compensates for fluid losses.
🏥 In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide fluids and electrolytes intravenously. The treatment of dehydration varies according to the severity of the dehydration and the age of the child, sometimes requiring adapted resuscitation.

If you suspect your child is dehydrated, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Dehydration in children is a potentially dangerous condition that can occur in cases of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or simply from fluid loss due to excessive sweating. Diarrhea is a common cause of dehydration in infants and requires special attention to avoid complications.

 

☀️ Rehydrate your child

Give them fluids to replenish lost fluids. Drinking water remains the best solution, as well as the most obvious and simplest. Fruit juices, sodas, and sugary drinks are not recommended as they can worsen dehydration because they contain very little or no water.

 

☀️ Encourage your child to drink small amounts

If your child does not want to drink large amounts, try to have them drink small amounts regularly. If necessary, use a syringe or spoon to give small amounts of liquid to your child.

 

☀️ Seek medical help if necessary

If the child shows signs of severe dehydration, such as fever, persistent vomiting, or severe diarrhea, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to adequately replenish your child's fluids.

 

Complications of dehydration in children

⚠️ If dehydration in children is not addressed quickly, it can lead to serious health complications. Among the most serious risks are shock, which corresponds to a failure of blood circulation, as well as kidney failure or heart disorders. In extreme cases, dehydration can be life-threatening for the child.

It is therefore crucial to recognize the signs of dehydration and consult a healthcare professional as soon as the child's condition seems concerning. Professionals will know how to assess the severity of the situation and propose an appropriate treatment to restore water balance and prevent any complications.

By adopting these habits, you contribute to your child's health and well-being, while limiting the risks associated with dehydration.

 

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