Not only occurs in adults, dehydration can also be experienced by children. However, dehydration in children often goes unnoticed. Mothers should know the symptoms of dehydration in children so that they can prevent more severe conditions.
Children are more prone to dehydration than adults. In children, playing in hot weather, traveling long distances, excessive urination, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can easily cause children to become dehydrated.
Symptom-GSymptoms of Dehydration in Children
Here are some signs of dehydration in children that parents should recognize:
- The child's mouth looks dry and the lips are chapped.
- The frequency of urination (BAK) becomes infrequent, even not urinating for more than 6-8 hours.
- Children often become sleepy and look weaker.
- Children's eyes that look more sunken.
- The child's skin becomes drier and slightly cooler.
- The child looks inactive.
- The child's breathing rate becomes faster and deeper.
This condition must be treated immediately, because if it continues, it can be life threatening.
How to Overcome Dehydration in Children
When experiencing mild dehydration, parents can take the following initial treatments:
1. Provide adequate fluid intake
If the child has symptoms of dehydration, immediately provide adequate fluid intake. Mother can give him water, ORS solution, or other fluids. Giving this fluid is useful to replace fluids and salts (electrolytes) that are lost from the body.
2. Bgive fruit and vegetables that contain a lot of water
Mother can give fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content. This method is able to overcome mild dehydration in children. Some fruits that contain a lot of water are watermelon, melon, oranges, pears, cucumbers, and strawberries.
While vegetables that contain quite a lot of water include cauliflower, yam, celery, and lettuce.
3. Pmake sure your child gets enough rest
After getting adequate fluid intake, make sure the child gets enough rest. It aims to speed up the recovery process.
4. HAvoid giving children caffeinated drinks
When your child is dehydrated, avoid giving him drinks that contain caffeine. Giving caffeinated drinks to a dehydrated child can make the condition worse. Some drinks that contain caffeine levels are tea, soft drinks, and chocolate.
Mothers can do some of the above independent treatments when your child has symptoms of dehydration. However, if the symptoms of dehydration in children are getting worse, visit the doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
