London Drugs

Focus On Health

Hormones and Your Bones

Back to School

Childhood Dehydration

Childhood Dehydration

How to Prevent It

Fever, diarrhea and vomiting can cause children to lose an abnormally large quantity of water from the body - a process known as dehydration.

While it is true that dehydration is more likely in the summer months, the coughs, colds and tummy bugs that assail returning schoolchildren frequently lead to excessive water loss.

In the most severe cases of diarrhea and vomiting, children may not be able to replace fluids lost through normal drinking or eating.

What are the Signs?

Signs that your child may be dehydrated include the following:

Dry mouth, tongue or skin
A decrease in the amount of urine passed (no urine for 6 - 8 hours ) and/or bright yellow urine
Few or no tears when crying
Weakness or listlessness

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your child may be severely dehydrated. In this event, you should immediately call an ambulance or take her to the closest emergency centre for appropriate treatment.

Inactivity or decreased alertness
Excessive sleepiness or disorientation
Deep, rapid breathing
Dry mouth, tongue or skin
Fast or weakened pulse

What Can Be Done to Prevent Dehydration?

Pediatric oral electrolyte solutions help to restore your child’s electrolyte balance. (Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium and potassium that are critical to life and may be severely depleted through loss of body fluids.) The water and electrolytes that make up these pleasantly-flavoured drinks can be absorbed by the body, even when infection is causing the child to vomit.

To prevent or treat dehydration during bouts of fever, vomiting or diarrhea, you should encourage your child to sip an oral electrolyte solution as often as possible. (Juices and sodas are not recommended if your child is dehydrated. The sugar may draw water into the intestine, causing diarrhea to worsen.)

Pediatric Electrolyte Solution, available at London Drugs, comes in a variety of appealing flavours, including apple, fruit and grape, as well as flavour-free.