Drinking adequate amount of water is very important for the good health and proper development of children. Water helps in maintaining balanced body temperature, delivering nutrients to different parts of the body and removing waste materials from the body. Small children have more water in their bodies, so the risk of dehydration can increase quickly. Especially due to hot weather, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea or not getting enough fluids, children can become victims of dehydration i.e. lack of water in the body.
If this problem is not taken care of in time, the child’s health may deteriorate further. Due to lack of water, the child may face problems like weakness, lethargy, dizziness, dry mouth and less urination. in extreme cases dehydration Due to this, the child may also need hospital treatment. Therefore, it is important for parents to know how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration in children and what to do in such a situation. Let us know about this in details.
What are the symptoms of dehydration in children?
Official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) HealthyChildren.org According to, many types of symptoms can be seen in children due to lack of water. The child may feel more thirsty than usual and his mouth and lips may feel dry. Less urination or dark yellow urine can also be a sign of dehydration. In small children, less tears while crying, sunken eyes and sunken soft part of the head can also be a sign of dehydration. The child may appear lethargic, show less interest in playing or sleep excessively. If these symptoms are seen in the child, they should not be ignored and necessary steps should be taken in time.
What to do if children are dehydrated?
If the child shows mild symptoms of dehydration, give him small amounts of water or ORS solution frequently. If the child is breast fed, continue breast feeding. Older children can be given other liquids along with water, if the doctor has not forbidden it.
It is better to give small amounts of liquids to the child instead of giving them too much liquid at once. If the child’s condition does not improve or the symptoms start increasing, then definitely consult a doctor.
When should one immediately contact a doctor?
If the child becomes very lethargic, is vomiting repeatedly, is not able to drink even water or ORS, is urinating very less or does not urinate for several hours, then contact the doctor immediately.
Apart from this, if the symptoms of dehydration are increasing rapidly or the child’s condition is continuously worsening, then it is important to seek medical help without delay. The risk of serious problems can be reduced by getting timely treatment.
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