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Dehydration in infants and children is a serious problem that can lead to health complications.Therefore, it is important to know its symptoms and respond appropriately.In this article, we will discuss what dehydration is, its causes, symptoms, and what to do if your baby or child has symptoms of dehydration.We will also look at situations in which a hospital visit and treatment for dehydration in children are necessary.
Dehydration in infants and children – what is it and what are its types?
Dehydration is a situation in which the body loses more fluids than it can take in.This also applies to infants and children, who are more susceptible to dehydration than adults.There are different types of drainage, including:
Isotonic dehydration:This is the most common type of dehydration in which we lose electrolyte and fluid balance.This may occur due to diarrhea, vomiting or insufficient hydration.
Hypertonic dehydration:This is a situation where we lose more salt than fluid.It may be caused by excessive salt intake or kidney disease.
Hypotonic dehydration:This is dehydration in which we lose more fluid than salt.An example would be drinking a lot of water without adequate amounts of electrolytes.
Causes of dehydration in children
There are many factors that can lead to dehydration in infants and children.The most common causes are:
Diarrhea and vomiting:Gastrointestinal infections such as rotavirus can lead to frequent diarrhea and vomiting, resulting in fluid loss.
Hot summer days:High temperatures and intense sweating can lead to fluid loss.
Lack of hydration:Inadequate hydration, i.e.
not drinking enough fluids, can lead to dehydration.
Chronic diseases:Children with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or kidney disease, are at greater risk of dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration in infants and children
Symptoms of dehydration in infants and children may vary depending on the degree of dehydration.Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
Dry mouth and throat.
No tears when crying.
Small amount of wet diaper in infants.
Reduced amount of urine.
Drowsiness and general weakness.
Muscle cramps and abdominal pain.
Dizziness and nausea.
If you notice these symptoms in your child, it is necessary to take immediate action.
What to do if your baby or child has symptoms of dehydration?how to hydrate a child?
If you suspect that your baby or child has symptoms of dehydration, taking appropriate action immediately is crucial:
Hydration:Give your child electrolytes to drink, e.g. oral preparations available in pharmacies, which will help restore electrolyte balance.
Frequent feeding:If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby often.If the baby is bottle-fed, increase the amount of milk given.
Avoiding sweetened drinks:Don’t give your child sweetened drinks as they may worsen dehydration.
Monitor for symptoms:Monitor your child carefully for any improvement or worsening of symptoms.
If symptoms persist or worsen, you may need to see a doctor.
When to go to hospital and what is the treatment for dehydration in children?
In some cases, dehydration may be severe enough to require hospitalization.You should go to hospital if:
Symptoms of dehydration are very severe.
2. The child is unable to take fluids orally.
There are other serious symptoms, such as loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing.
Treatment of dehydration in hospital involves administering fluids and electrolytes intravenously and monitoring the child’s condition.Your doctor will decide on appropriate treatment depending on the degree of dehydration.
Your suggestions
It is worth remembering that prevention is key to preventing dehydration in infants and children.Provide your child with enough fluids and keep him or her hydrated, especially on hot days.Feeding your baby regularly and monitoring your baby’s health are important parts of taking care of your baby’s well-being.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of dehydration in children, we recommend reading other articles on this topic, which will help you better understand the problem and prevent it effectively.
Don’t forget that dehydration in babies and children is a serious matter, so it’s always worth consulting a doctor if you have any concerns or worsening symptoms.