How to treat dehydration in kids?

Tweet

                                                             

Kids often suffer from dehydration in summer.

Dehydration is one of the common summer diseases that children may have to suffer. When the body loses more fluids than the total fluid intake, dehydration may occur. It means the water level in the body is less than the required level which may create health serious health issues of the patient.

Causes of dehydration in kids

There are several causes of dehydration in kids such as

• Increased sweating on a hot day along with lack of enough fluid replenishment
• Common viral infections like rotavirus that cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and less ability to eat or drink.
• Certain bacterial infections that diminish the capacity to drink and cause vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessive sweating during workouts or sports activity when not accompanied by proper fluid intake
• Diabetes

Signs of dehydration

Dry mouth, dry tears, chapped lips, decreased urination and increased thirst are the signs of dehydration in a mild form. A normal child with normal health does not have these signs. On the other hand, the symptoms of severe dehydration are no tears, sunken eyes, less urination, dry tongue, and mouth lethargy and listlessness, irritability, and weight loss.

It is important to note that babies and young kids have higher chances of dehydration than teenagers.

Treatment at home

                                                                                               

• The best way to rehydrate the kid is to provide enough fluids. Drinking plenty of water is the most effective way to replenish the body with essential nutrients. 
• To restore the lost fluids, sugar, and salt, the baby/ kid can be provided an ORS solution. 
• For babies, breastfeeding can be continued and he/she would not require additional water intake. 
• In case she intakes formula milk or solids, you can provide him or her with extra water for rehydration. 
• In mild dehydration cases, babies can be cured at home with the advice of the doctor. However, in severe cases, proper medical observation and treatment are compulsory.

" Prevention is better than cure". Follow the summer safety tips for yourself and for kids from the beginning and avoid the common summer ailments.

                                                                           

Related links:

5 Summer Hazards Parents should Prevent