Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid. This might happen when you do not drink enough water or you lose large amounts of fluids from your body because of diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
Water and minerals called electrolytes help put your body fluids back in balance. Learn the early signs of fluid loss, and drink more fluids to prevent dehydration.
Severe dehydration means:
Moderate dehydration means:
Mild dehydration means:
Mild to moderate dehydration is treated at home by drinking more fluids. Treatment for moderate to severe dehydration may include I.V. fluids and a stay in the hospital.
Dehydration is very dangerous for babies, small children, and older adults. It is most dangerous for newborns. Watch closely for early symptoms anytime there is an illness that causes a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
As your child becomes dehydrated, thirst increases, and their mouth or eyes may feel or look very dry. Your child may also lack energy and want to be held a lot. Your child will not urinate as often as usual.
When your child is active and not drinking enough fluids, dehydration is a risk. The muscles get tired quickly. Your child may have leg cramps while walking or running. Playing hard and sweating without drinking fluids can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion.
To prevent this, teach your child these tips.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child does not get better as expected.
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