Dehydration in Children |
| |
DESCRIPTION
|
|
Dehydration (dee-hi-DRAY-shun) is a loss of water and other important body salts. It can happen to any child; but it's most serious in newborns and infants. Your child should return to normal when the cause of the dehydration is found and body fluids are replaced.
|
|
CAUSES
|
|
Severe vomiting or diarrhea, usually caused by an infection, can drain the body of fluid. Fever, sweating, and prolonged exposure to the sun are other possible causes.
|
|
SYMPTOMS
|
|
A dehydrated child may be sleepier than usual, urinate less, have a dry mouth and cracked lips, cry without tears, or seem dizzy. With babies less than one year old, the soft spot on top of their head may become sunken.
|
|
CARE
|
|
Lost liquids must be replaced. The child may need to be put in the hospital for care and treatment.
|
|
|