Dehydration in children- symptoms and treatment
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when loss of fluid in the body is greater than fluid intake. This can often interfere with the proper functioning of the body. Dehydration usually occurs in cases such as vomiting, extreme sweating, exercise, fever, diarrhoea and inadequate intake of fluids.
Symptoms of dehydration:
*Children often become sleepy or tired due to a decrease in energy levels.
*The passing of urine may be less frequent. The urine may resemble the colour of dark yellow to amber. In infants less than 6 diapers indicates dehydration.
*Children may have a dry, sticky mouth due to thirst
*A moderate bout of diarrhoea can have an onset of dehydration
*Little or no tears when crying and a lack of sweating are also indications of dehydration
*Muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness are also some of the symptoms your child may experience.
*If your child has vomited for more than 8 hours and is unable to keep down fluids, he or she can eventually become dehydrated.
*In severe cases of dehydration your child can experience irritability accompanied by fussing and a lack of sleep. Blood pressure can increase leading to a rapid heart beat, fever, delirium, and unconsciousness.
*The skin and mouth may appear dry.
*Dryness of the nasal passages can occur.
Treatment of dehydration in children
*The common and most effective method is using oral rehydration solution in children and infants who have suffered from bouts of vomiting, fever and diarrhoea.
* An oral rehydrate solution contains ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate soda, 3 tablespoon sugar and 1litre of water. The water and salt content helps to replenish fluids lost as well as balance the electrolytes in the body. The water used in the rehydrate solution should be purified water or it should be boiled and cooled.
*The measurement of the ingredients used in the rehydrate should be accurate to prevent the condition from worsening.
*Consumption of fluids is most effective if kept at room temperature.
*The ingestion of fluid should be at a slow pace until the appearance of the urine is clear in colour or your child is able to keep down fluids without vomiting or passing it out through diarrhoea.
*If your child is unable to keep fluids, wait for an interval of 30- 40 minutes and try again.
*Breastfed babies should continue with regular feeds with the addition of oral rehydration fluids.
*If bottle fed babies suffer with diarrhoea and become dehydrated, the formula should be change for a lactose free formula.
*Your child should avoid consuming spicy or salty foods, milk, fruit juice or cool drink. Consuming plain water should also be avoided as it has no electrolytes.
*In severe forms dehydration hospitalisation may be required. The condition is treated with fluids transmitted intravenously providing the body with water and essential nutrients much quicker than oral rehydration.