Blog — Dehydration in Children

Dehydration in Children

We've gone over dehydration in seniors, so now it's time to review the same in children, especially since the weather is really HOT this time of year.  More often than not we may all be in the hot summer heat for long periods of time not paying too much attention to the children running around.  Actually we are usually thrilled that they are keeping themselves busy and not bothering the adults too much so we let them carry on.  However, Children playing outside in the summer heat  for a lengthy period of time for a child has its disadvantages also.  One being dehydration. 

Children are more prone to dehydration and heat illness than adults because they have more body surface area per pound of weight.

Symptoms of dehydration in children can include:

• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Feeling hot

The above may sound fairly reasonable pretty much for everyone, but if ignored in a child more serious heat illness can occur; such as, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.  

Symptoms of Heat Illness With Dehydration in Kids:

• Heat cramps: Painful cramps of the abdominal muscles, arms, or legs.
• Heat syncope: Weakness, fatigue, or fainting after exercising in heat.
• Heat exhaustion: Profuse sweating, fatigue, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness, excessive thirst, muscle aches and cramps, vision problems, flushing, agitation or irritability, and sometimes unconsciousness.
• Heatstroke: High body temperature (often it's 104 F-105 F or higher), nausea and vomiting; seizures; disorientation or delirium; hot, dry skin; unconsciousness; coma; shortness of breath; decreased urination; or blood in urine or stool.

The very best bet in NOT having your children experience even the mildest form of dehydration is to have them drink as many fluids as possible, and/or get them out of the heat to cool down bit as well.  If your child is experiencing any of the above more serious symptoms then absolutely seek medical attention.