Dehydration in children

Content provided by Healthwise

Dehydration can occur when the body loses too much water.

A lack of interest in playing and extreme sleepiness. (The child may be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake up.)
A dry mouth and tongue
A sunken soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head
Sunken eyes without tears
Fast breathing and rapid heartbeat
No urination (a dry diaper) for more than 12 hours

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

A decreased interest in play
A sunken soft spot (fontanel) in the head
Sunken eyes with few tears
A dry mouth, with little or no saliva
Extreme hunger or thirst
No urination for 8 hours or fewer than 3 urinations (fewer than 3 wet diapers) in 24 hours

Irritability, agitation, fussiness, or restlessness
Hungry or thirsty most of the time
Less frequent urinations than usual or needs fewer diaper changes. The child's urine will have a stronger odor and be darker yellow than normal.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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