- Suitable for 0-8Years
Dehydration
A child becomes dehydrated in one of two situations – either they have lost a lot of body fluids (usually due to diarrhoea and/or vomiting) or they aren’t drinking enough (for example, when the child is sick and unable or unwilling to drink). If the illness is prolonged or severe, dehydration can become a problem, and your child may need medical assessment and treatment.
When to see the doctor
- If vomiting and diarrhoea persist.
- If your child has any of the symptoms below.
- If you are worried.
What causes it?
Gastroenteritis is by far the most common cause of dehydration. Any illness where there is persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or reduced fluid intake can result in dehydration.
What are the symptoms?
- A young child who is dehydrated will wee less often: he will either have fewer wet nappies, or his nappies will not be as wet as usual.
- His eyes may look sunken and dark.
- His tongue and mouth will be coated and dry.
- He will look gaunt and pasty.
- He will often be tired and lethargic.
- He will have lost weight because of fluid lost from the body.
How is it treated?
Mild cases of dehydration are treated by giving the child more water, or giving them oral rehydration fluid, which can also be frozen and given as an ‘icypole’. Fluids need to be given in small amounts, but frequently. In more severe cases, your child may need fluids to be given intravenously (directly into the vein) or through a tube that goes up their nose and into their stomach. In this case, the child will have to go into hospital.
How can I prevent it?
The best way to avoid significant dehydration is to see the doctor if your child has any illness which is causing them to lose lots of fluid or stop drinking.
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- Last reviewed15-05-2006
