Dehydration is a serious problem that involves the excessive loss of body fluids, either through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. When this loss is not controlled, it can prevent the body from functioning normally. That’s why it’s extremely important to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. It is a condition that can affect all age groups, but it’s especially risky for children, particularly newborns and infants. Dehydration develops when the body loses too much water and there is not sufficient replacement through fluid intake. This condition is classified as mild, moderate, or severe and must be treated immediately, as severe dehydration can lead to death.
The main factors that can lead to dehydration symptoms are fever, excessive sweating caused by a health problem, physical exertion, or even heat, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. People with diabetes who urinate more frequently and do not drink enough water are also at risk.
Problems with dehydration in babies can also start during pregnancy. It is common for pregnant women to experience dehydration, first because they drink a very small amount of water and secondly because they urinate frequently without replenishing the loss. This can cause problems such as a reduction in amniotic fluid, which might require hospitalization to monitor and control the situation, increasing the risk of premature birth and fetal distress. Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, severe headaches, and chapped lips are clear signs.
Blood pressure issues during pregnancy can also lead to dehydration symptoms. First-trimester nausea can also result in a significant loss of fluids, which should be replaced with healthy drinks such as water, fruit juice, and coconut water. The main symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration are excessive thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, absence of sweat and tears, as well as fatigue and sunken eyes. In more severe cases, the patient may experience loss of consciousness, amnesia, seizures, and if conditions worsen, multiple organ failure leading to death.
Childhood Dehydration: How to Prevent and Treat
As mentioned earlier, the group at highest risk for this problem is children, since dehydration in children can progress quickly and severely if not treated rapidly. Thousands of children die annually due to lack of care and prevention, involving very simple habits that should be part of everyone’s daily routine.
In children and babies, the main causes of dehydration are diarrhea and uncontrollable vomiting. Babies and young children typically have episodes of diarrhea several times during childhood, due to teething, vaccine reactions, and even viral and bacterial infections. This is due to their immunity being still very low, especially during hot weather, making viral illnesses more frequent.
When not properly treated, rapid loss of fluids can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended to give fluids such as water, juice, soups and to eat less fatty, lighter foods to restore the child’s health quickly.
Other options to help hydrate children and babies include homemade oral rehydration solution, which can be made at home or found in flavored versions at pharmacies, making it easier for children to accept. Coconut water, teas, milk—especially breast milk—are essential treatments for childhood dehydration.
To prevent a more serious situation, water should be offered to children several times a day, especially on hotter days, to avoid worsening dehydration. Up to 6 months of age, breast milk meets all of the baby’s needs for both nutrition and hydration, so no extra fluids are necessary. If needed, take your child to the emergency room for intravenous hydration—IV fluids have an immediate effect and are essential in cases of acute viral infections affecting children.
See also: High Cholesterol in Children – The Childhood Villain
Photo: Lindsey G
