Dehydration in children

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Dehydration in children

Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much water. This can occur if a child loses large amounts of fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Dehydration decreases the amount of blood that circulates to the child's organs. Severe dehydration can cause shock, a life-threatening condition.

Dehydration in small children can develop rapidly and be very dangerous. Watch closely for early signs of dehydration any time your child has a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or is too sick to drink.

A young child will not be able to tell you if he or she is feeling dehydrated, so you must look for the symptoms.

A child with mild dehydration:

Is fussy.
Acts hungry or thirsty most of the time.
Urinates less frequently than usual or needs fewer diaper changes. The urine will have a strong odor and be dark yellow.

A child with moderate dehydration:

Has decreased interest in play.
Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) in the head.
Has sunken eyes with few tears. The child's mouth is dry, with little or no saliva.
Appears to be very hungry or thirsty.
Is irritable, agitated, or restless.
Has not urinated for 8 hours or has urinated fewer than 3 times (had fewer than 3 wet diapers) in 24 hours.
May have arms or legs that feel cool to the touch.
May have a rapid heartbeat.

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

A child with severe dehydration:

Has little or no interest in his or her surroundings.
May be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake up.
May be unconscious.
Has a dry mouth and tongue. The child's tongue may look parched or cracked.
Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head.
Has sunken eyes without tears.
Has fast breathing and a rapid heartbeat. You may not be able to feel the child's pulse.
Has not urinated for more than 12 hours.

Credits

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	July 6, 2007

Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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