What is Dehydration?
The body needs water since water is a main component of blood. When your body loses too much water or doesn’t get enough water, it becomes more difficult for blood to reach the body’s organs. This problem is called dehydration. Younger children at higher risk for dehydration for a number of reasons.
Causes of dehydration include:
Vomiting and diarrhea (most common)
Fever
Burns
Diabetes
Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms include:
urinating less
very fussy or sleepy
marked decrease in activity
few or no tears when crying
wrinkled skin
sunken eyes
Dehydration Diagnosis & Treatment
Dehydration is diagnosed based on a history and physical exam. Based on this evaluation, the degree of your child’s dehydration can be assessed and the proper recommendations for management offered. See chart below for guidance.
Mild Dehydration
Symptoms of mild dehydration may include:
looks well
Isn’t thirsty
making tears
mouth isn’t dry
lips aren’t chapped
Management
Oral rehydration with pedialyte or water
If vomiting give small amounts every 5 minutes
If unable to keep fluids down, check in with K or call doctor
24 hour goal: at least 1 to 1-and-a-half ounces of fluid for every pound of body weight Example: 40 pound child needs at least 40-60oz of fluid in a 24 hour period
Moderate Dehydration
Symptoms:
fussy and irritable
thirsty
eyes look sunken
dry mouth
no tears
Management
Proceed to emergency room for rehydration through the the vein (IV)
24 hour goal: at least 2 to 2-and-a-half ounces of fluid for every pound of body weightExample: 40 pound child needs at least 80-100 ounces
Severe Dehydration
Symptoms:
lethargic
too sick to drink
sunken eyes
dry mouth
chapped lips
Management:
Go to the ER for IV rehydration as soon as possible.
See a doctor in person if…
Your child is unable to keep fluids down
Your child has vomiting for more than 3 days
Your child has diarrhea for more than 5 days
Go to the emergency room if your child becomes sleepy or lethargic