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Read more about our vetting process. Intro All kids and adults lose water constantly throughout the day. Water evaporates from the skin and leaves the body when you breathe, cry, sweat, and use the toilet. Most of the time, a toddler gets enough water from eating and drinking to replace the fluids they lose. But in some cases, kids can lose more water than normal. Fevers, stomach flus, being out in hot weather, or too much exercise, for example, may result in too much fluid loss. This can lead to dehydration. Dehydration isn’t something to take lightly. When it happens, the body doesn’t have enough fluids and water to function properly. In severe cases, this could lead to brain damage or even death. Read on to learn the warning signs of dehydration in your toddler, and tips for how to prevent it. Is my toddler at risk for dehydration?Dehydration happens when more fluid is leaving the body than entering it. Children are more susceptible to dehydration than older teens and adults because they have smaller bodies. They have smaller reserves of water. Some toddlers become dehydrated because they don’t drink enough water. Certain factors can also put your toddler at a higher risk of dehydration. These include:
Diarrhea may be caused by an infection (viral, bacterial, or parasite), food allergy or sensitivity, a medical condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, or a reaction to a medication. If your toddler is vomiting, has watery stools, or is unable or unwilling to drink because of an illness, monitor them for signs of dehydration. Be ready to respond. Warning signs of dehydration in toddlersDehydration can happen very slowly over time, or it can happen suddenly. Toddlers with an illness, especially stomach flu, should be monitored closely for signs of dehydration. The warning signs aren’t always obvious. Don’t wait until your toddler is excessively thirsty. If they’re really thirsty, they may already be dehydrated. Instead, look out for these warning signs:
In the most serious cases, your toddler can become delirious or unconscious. Treating dehydration in toddlersThe only way to effectively treat dehydration is to replenish the lost fluids. Mild dehydration can be managed at home. If your toddler has diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, or is showing signs of dehydration, take the following steps.
Preventing dehydration in toddlersIt’s important for parents to learn the warning signs of dehydration. If your toddler is excessively thirsty, it may already be too late. Here are some steps to take to prevent dehydration. Have an oral rehydration solution on hand at all times. These are available in liquids, popsicles, and powders.
When to see a doctor if your toddler is dehydratedBring your child to the doctor if:
A doctor can check for dehydration and replenish your child’s fluids and salts quickly intravenously (through a vein) if needed. Next steps Dehydration in your toddler can’t always be prevented, but there are actions you can take right now to help. Learn to recognize the warning signs. Contact your pediatrician if you’re concerned your toddler might be dehydrated. What are signs of severe dehydration in children?If your child has severe dehydration, they may be:. extremely thirsty.. lethargic or less active than usual.. pale and have sunken eyes, tears may be absent when crying.. cold – especially their hands or feet.. breathing faster than usual and have a fast heart rate.. irritable, drowsy or confused.. What are 3 symptoms of severe dehydration?Symptoms of dehydration. dizziness or light-headedness.. headache.. tiredness.. dry mouth, lips and eyes.. passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day). What are the signs and symptoms of a child with moderate dehydration?What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration?. a dry or sticky mouth.. few or no tears when crying.. eyes that look sunken.. in babies, the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head looks sunken.. peeing less or fewer wet diapers than usual.. crankiness.. drowsiness or dizziness.. What condition most commonly occurs in children who are severely dehydrated?Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock).
This is one of the most serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.
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