go back

Every day we lose body fluids (water and other liquids) in our urine, stool, sweat and tears. We replace the lost fluids by eating and drinking. Dehydration happens when more fluids leave the body than enters it when a child is sick. Fluid is lost through vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Younger children and babies are more likely to become dehydrated.

Signs:

1. Dry cracked lips and dry mouth
2. Passes less urine than normal (no urine for 8 to 12 hours or dark-colored urine)
3. Drowsiness or irritability
4. Cold or dry skin
5. Low energy levels
6. No tears when crying
7. Sunken eyes or sunken soft spot (fontanelle) or babies head (2)

Clinical Dehydration Scale (Goldman 2008) (1)

Always seek the advice of your child’s doctor in case of dehydration signs.

Dr Monique Zgheib

Pediatrician

1. ^{Merck manuals: Dehydration in children}

2. ^{American Academy of pediatrics: Signs of dehydration in infants and children}