WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
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.
Signs/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.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
For the first 24 hours give the child only clear
fluids. Electrolyte solutions can be bought at the grocery
store, or you can give gelatin water (a 3-ounce package in a
quart of water), or a mixture made by adding 1/4 teaspoon
salt and 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 pint of
water.
-
If the child is vomiting, give fluid very slowly,
starting with 1 or 2 teaspoons every 10
minutes.
-
If there is no vomiting and the child is less than
1 year old, you may give 1 tablespoon every 20
minutes.
-
If there is no vomiting and the child is over 1
year old, give 2 tablespoons every 30
minutes.
-
If there is no vomiting, you may gradually return the
child to his or her normal diet over the next 2 or 3
days.
-
If a baby is taking only formula, dilute it to 1/2
strength for the next 24 hours.
-
If you are breastfeeding, give the baby clear
liquids for 2 feedings, then start breastfeeding
again.
-
If your child is taking solid food, begin with
bland foods such as applesauce or bananas and add other
foods as tolerated. If the child is over 1 year old, do
not include milk, ice cream, butter, or cheese in the
diet for the next 3 days.
-
Keep a record of how often you change your baby's
diaper and how wet it is each time.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
For children less than 3 months old, call if the
child's temperature goes above 100 degrees F (37 degrees
C).
-
For children over 3 months, call if the child's
temperature goes above 102 degrees F (39.4 degrees
C).
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your child has signs of worsening dehydration,
including listlessness, excessive thirst, little or no
urination in more than 6 hours, no tears, wrinkled skin,
dizziness, irritability, weight loss, or, if the child is a
baby, a sunken soft spot on the top of the
head.
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