What are the key signs of dehydration. How does dehydration affect different age groups. When should you seek medical attention for dehydration. What are the main causes and risk factors for dehydration. How can dehydration lead to serious health complications.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting normal bodily functions. Identifying the symptoms early is crucial for prompt intervention. The signs of dehydration can vary depending on age and severity.

Symptoms in Infants and Young Children

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for three hours
• Sunken eyes and cheeks
• Sunken soft spot on top of the skull
• Listlessness or irritability

Symptoms in Adults

• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion

Are these symptoms always reliable indicators of dehydration? Not necessarily. Thirst, for example, isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water, especially in older adults who may not feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. This underscores the importance of increasing water intake during hot weather or illness, regardless of thirst levels.

Causes of Dehydration: Understanding the Triggers

Dehydration can result from various factors, some of which may be surprising. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and early intervention.

Common Causes of Dehydration

1. Insufficient fluid intake due to illness or lack of access to safe drinking water
2. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
3. High fever
4. Excessive sweating
5. Increased urination

How does diarrhea contribute to dehydration? Severe, acute diarrhea can cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. When combined with vomiting, the fluid and mineral loss is even more significant, quickly leading to dehydration.

Can medications cause dehydration? Yes, certain medications, particularly diuretics and some blood pressure medications, can increase urination, potentially leading to dehydration if fluid intake isn’t adjusted accordingly.

Risk Factors: Who’s Most Vulnerable to Dehydration?

While anyone can become dehydrated, certain groups are at higher risk. Identifying these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and providing targeted care.

High-Risk Groups for Dehydration

• Infants and young children
• Older adults
• People with chronic illnesses
• Individuals who work or exercise outdoors

Why are infants and children particularly vulnerable to dehydration? They have a higher surface area to volume ratio, leading to more significant fluid loss from fever or burns. Additionally, young children may not be able to communicate their thirst or get drinks independently.

How does aging affect the risk of dehydration? As people age, their body’s fluid reserve decreases, the ability to conserve water reduces, and the thirst sensation becomes less acute. Chronic illnesses and certain medications common in older adults can further compound these issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Dehydration

Recognizing when dehydration requires professional medical intervention is crucial for preventing severe complications. Certain symptoms and situations warrant immediate medical attention.

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Care

• Diarrhea lasting 24 hours or more
• Irritability, disorientation, or unusual sleepiness
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Bloody or black stools

Is it necessary to visit a doctor for mild dehydration? Mild to moderate dehydration can usually be reversed by increasing fluid intake. However, severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.

Complications of Dehydration: Beyond Thirst

Dehydration, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications. Understanding these potential outcomes emphasizes the importance of proper hydration and timely intervention.

Potential Complications of Severe Dehydration

1. Heat injury (ranging from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke)
2. Urinary and kidney problems
3. Seizures
4. Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock)

How does dehydration lead to heat injury? When you’re dehydrated, your body loses its ability to regulate temperature effectively. During vigorous exercise or in hot, humid conditions, this can result in heat-related illnesses of varying severity.

Can dehydration affect kidney function? Yes, prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure in severe cases.

Prevention Strategies: Staying Hydrated in Various Situations

Preventing dehydration is far easier than treating its complications. Adopting proper hydration habits and being aware of situations that increase fluid loss can help maintain optimal hydration levels.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather or illness
• Consume water-rich foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables)
• Monitor urine color (pale yellow indicates good hydration)
• Replenish fluids lost during exercise

How much water should you drink daily? While the commonly cited “8 glasses a day” is a good starting point, individual needs vary based on factors like activity level, climate, and overall health. Listening to your body and monitoring urine color are often more reliable indicators of hydration status.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain populations require special attention when it comes to hydration. Tailored approaches can help prevent dehydration in these vulnerable groups.

Hydration Strategies for Infants and Young Children

• Offer fluids frequently, especially during illness
• Use oral rehydration solutions for diarrhea or vomiting
• Monitor wet diapers and overall alertness

Hydration Tips for Older Adults

• Set reminders to drink water regularly
• Keep water easily accessible
• Consume foods with high water content
• Monitor medications that may increase dehydration risk

Why is dehydration particularly dangerous for older adults? The aging body has a reduced ability to conserve water and sense thirst, making older adults more susceptible to dehydration. Additionally, chronic conditions and medications common in this age group can exacerbate the risk.

The Role of Electrolytes in Hydration

Proper hydration isn’t just about water intake; electrolyte balance plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily functions and preventing dehydration-related complications.

Key Electrolytes for Hydration

1. Sodium
2. Potassium
3. Chloride
4. Bicarbonate

How do electrolytes contribute to hydration? Electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. When you’re dehydrated, you lose electrolytes along with water, which can lead to imbalances affecting various bodily functions.

Are sports drinks necessary for hydration? For most people engaged in moderate exercise or daily activities, water is sufficient for hydration. However, during prolonged, intense exercise or in cases of severe diarrhea or vomiting, electrolyte-rich beverages or oral rehydration solutions may be beneficial.

Hydration and Climate Considerations

Climate plays a significant role in hydration needs. Understanding how different environmental conditions affect fluid balance can help in adapting hydration strategies effectively.

Hydration in Hot and Humid Climates

• Increase water intake before, during, and after outdoor activities
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Seek shade and take regular breaks
• Monitor urine color and frequency

Hydration at High Altitudes

• Drink more water than usual
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Consume foods with high water content
• Be aware of increased fluid loss through respiration and perspiration

Why does humidity affect hydration? In humid conditions, sweat doesn’t evaporate as efficiently from the skin, reducing its cooling effect. This can lead to increased body temperature and greater fluid needs.

How does altitude impact hydration needs? At higher altitudes, the air is drier and the body loses more water through respiration and increased urination. Additionally, altitude sickness can cause symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite, further contributing to dehydration risk.

Hydration for Athletes and Active Individuals

Proper hydration is crucial for athletic performance and recovery. Athletes and highly active individuals have unique hydration needs that require careful attention.

Pre-Exercise Hydration

• Drink 16-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercise
• Consume another 8 ounces 20-30 minutes before starting
• Consider the climate and exercise intensity when planning fluid intake

During-Exercise Hydration

• Drink 7-10 ounces every 10-20 minutes during exercise
• For intense exercise lasting over an hour, consider sports drinks with electrolytes
• Monitor sweat rate and adjust fluid intake accordingly

Post-Exercise Hydration

• Drink 16-24 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during exercise
• Include electrolyte-rich foods or beverages in post-workout nutrition
• Continue monitoring hydration status for several hours after exercise

Can you over-hydrate during exercise? Yes, although less common than dehydration, overhydration or hyponatremia can occur, especially in endurance athletes. It’s crucial to balance fluid intake with electrolyte replacement and not exceed the body’s ability to absorb and utilize water.

How does proper hydration impact athletic performance? Adequate hydration helps maintain blood volume, regulate body temperature, and transport nutrients. Even mild dehydration can significantly impair physical performance, cognitive function, and recovery.

Hydration and Chronic Health Conditions

Certain chronic health conditions can significantly impact hydration status and increase the risk of dehydration. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective management and prevention.

Diabetes and Hydration

• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
• Increase fluid intake when blood sugar is high
• Be aware of increased urination as a symptom of high blood sugar
• Choose water and low-sugar beverages

Kidney Disease and Hydration

• Consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate fluid intake
• Monitor fluid retention and swelling
• Be aware of medications that may affect hydration status
• Balance electrolyte intake according to medical advice

Why does diabetes increase the risk of dehydration? High blood sugar levels can lead to increased urination as the body tries to flush out excess glucose, potentially leading to dehydration if fluids aren’t adequately replaced.

How does kidney disease affect hydration needs? Kidney disease can impair the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance. Depending on the stage and type of kidney disease, patients may need to restrict or increase fluid intake under medical supervision.

Hydration and Cognitive Function

The impact of hydration status on cognitive function is an area of growing research interest. Understanding this relationship can motivate better hydration habits and highlight the importance of adequate fluid intake for mental performance.

Effects of Dehydration on Cognitive Function

• Reduced concentration and alertness
• Decreased short-term memory
• Impaired mood and increased fatigue
• Slower reaction times

Hydration Strategies for Cognitive Performance

• Maintain consistent fluid intake throughout the day
• Keep water easily accessible during work or study
• Set reminders to drink water regularly
• Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status

Can mild dehydration affect cognitive performance? Yes, research suggests that even mild dehydration (1-2% of body weight) can negatively impact cognitive function, particularly in areas of concentration, alertness, and short-term memory.

How quickly can proper hydration improve cognitive function? The effects of rehydration on cognitive performance can be relatively rapid. Some studies have shown improvements in mental performance within 20-30 minutes of fluid consumption in mildly dehydrated individuals.

Innovative Approaches to Hydration

As awareness of the importance of hydration grows, innovative approaches and technologies are emerging to help individuals maintain optimal hydration levels.

Hydration Tracking Technologies

• Smart water bottles that track fluid intake
• Wearable devices that estimate hydration status
• Apps that provide personalized hydration recommendations
• Urine color charts for easy self-monitoring

Novel Hydration Products

• Electrolyte tablets and powders for easy supplementation
• Hydrogel technology for enhanced fluid delivery during exercise
• Plant-based waters with natural electrolytes
• Functional beverages designed for specific hydration needs

Can technology accurately measure hydration status? While many devices offer estimates of hydration status based on various physiological markers, the most accurate assessments still require laboratory testing. However, consumer devices can provide useful trends and reminders to support better hydration habits.

Are plant-based waters more hydrating than regular water? While plant-based waters (e.g., coconut water, cactus water) contain natural electrolytes and may offer some advantages, plain water is still considered the gold standard for general hydration. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and specific nutritional needs.

Dehydration – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

Anyone may become dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies, and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration.

This means that even minor illnesses, such as infections affecting the lungs or bladder, can result in dehydration in older adults.

Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don’t drink enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously.

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.

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Symptoms

Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration also may differ by age.

Infant or young child

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for three hours
• Sunken eyes, cheeks
• Sunken soft spot on top of skull
• Listlessness or irritability

Adult

• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion

When to see a doctor

Call your family doctor if you or a loved one:

• Has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more
• Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual
• Can’t keep down fluids
• Has bloody or black stool

Causes

Sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don’t drink enough because you’re sick or busy, or because you lack access to safe drinking water when you’re traveling, hiking or camping.

Other dehydration causes include:

• Diarrhea, vomiting. Severe, acute diarrhea — that is, diarrhea that comes on suddenly and violently — can cause a tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. If you have vomiting along with diarrhea, you lose even more fluids and minerals.
• Fever. In general, the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. The problem worsens if you have a fever in addition to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Excessive sweating. You lose water when you sweat. If you do vigorous activity and don’t replace fluids as you go along, you can become dehydrated. Hot, humid weather increases the amount you sweat and the amount of fluid you lose.
• Increased urination. This may be due to undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Certain medications, such as diuretics and some blood pressure medications, also can lead to dehydration, generally because they cause you to urinate more.

Risk factors

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at greater risk:

• Infants and children. The most likely group to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Having a higher surface area to volume area, they also lose a higher proportion of their fluids from a high fever or burns. Young children often can’t tell you that they’re thirsty, nor can they get a drink for themselves.
• Older adults. As you age, your body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications. Older adults also may have mobility problems that limit their ability to obtain water for themselves.
• People with chronic illnesses. Having uncontrolled or untreated diabetes puts you at high risk of dehydration. Kidney disease also increases your risk, as do medications that increase urination. Even having a cold or sore throat makes you more susceptible to dehydration because you’re less likely to feel like eating or drinking when you’re sick.
• People who work or exercise outside. When it’s hot and humid, your risk of dehydration and heat illness increases. That’s because when the air is humid, sweat can’t evaporate and cool you as quickly as it normally does, and this can lead to an increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.

Complications

Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heat injury. If you don’t drink enough fluids when you’re exercising vigorously and perspiring heavily, you may end up with a heat injury, ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
• Urinary and kidney problems. Prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
• Seizures. Electrolytes — such as potassium and sodium — help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock). This is one of the most serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.

Prevention

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people.

People may need to take in more fluids if they are experiencing conditions such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, start giving extra water or an oral rehydration solution at the first signs of illness. Don’t wait until dehydration occurs.
• Strenuous exercise. In general, it’s best to start hydrating the day before strenuous exercise. Producing lots of clear, dilute urine is a good indication that you’re well-hydrated. During the activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals and continue drinking water or other fluids after you’re finished.
• Hot or cold weather. You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating. You may also need extra water in cold weather to combat moisture loss from dry air, particularly at higher altitudes
• Illness. Older adults most commonly become dehydrated during minor illnesses — such as influenza, bronchitis or bladder infections. Make sure to drink extra fluids when you’re not feeling well.

Dehydration – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

Anyone may become dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies, and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration.

This means that even minor illnesses, such as infections affecting the lungs or bladder, can result in dehydration in older adults.

Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don’t drink enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously.

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration also may differ by age.

Infant or young child

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for three hours
• Sunken eyes, cheeks
• Sunken soft spot on top of skull
• Listlessness or irritability

Adult

• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion

When to see a doctor

Call your family doctor if you or a loved one:

• Has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more
• Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual
• Can’t keep down fluids
• Has bloody or black stool

Causes

Sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don’t drink enough because you’re sick or busy, or because you lack access to safe drinking water when you’re traveling, hiking or camping.

Other dehydration causes include:

• Diarrhea, vomiting. Severe, acute diarrhea — that is, diarrhea that comes on suddenly and violently — can cause a tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. If you have vomiting along with diarrhea, you lose even more fluids and minerals.
• Fever. In general, the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. The problem worsens if you have a fever in addition to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Excessive sweating. You lose water when you sweat. If you do vigorous activity and don’t replace fluids as you go along, you can become dehydrated. Hot, humid weather increases the amount you sweat and the amount of fluid you lose.
• Increased urination. This may be due to undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Certain medications, such as diuretics and some blood pressure medications, also can lead to dehydration, generally because they cause you to urinate more.

Risk factors

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at greater risk:

• Infants and children. The most likely group to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Having a higher surface area to volume area, they also lose a higher proportion of their fluids from a high fever or burns. Young children often can’t tell you that they’re thirsty, nor can they get a drink for themselves.
• Older adults. As you age, your body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications. Older adults also may have mobility problems that limit their ability to obtain water for themselves.
• People with chronic illnesses. Having uncontrolled or untreated diabetes puts you at high risk of dehydration. Kidney disease also increases your risk, as do medications that increase urination. Even having a cold or sore throat makes you more susceptible to dehydration because you’re less likely to feel like eating or drinking when you’re sick.
• People who work or exercise outside. When it’s hot and humid, your risk of dehydration and heat illness increases. That’s because when the air is humid, sweat can’t evaporate and cool you as quickly as it normally does, and this can lead to an increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.

Complications

Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heat injury. If you don’t drink enough fluids when you’re exercising vigorously and perspiring heavily, you may end up with a heat injury, ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
• Urinary and kidney problems. Prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
• Seizures. Electrolytes — such as potassium and sodium — help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock). This is one of the most serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.

Prevention

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people.

People may need to take in more fluids if they are experiencing conditions such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, start giving extra water or an oral rehydration solution at the first signs of illness. Don’t wait until dehydration occurs.
• Strenuous exercise. In general, it’s best to start hydrating the day before strenuous exercise. Producing lots of clear, dilute urine is a good indication that you’re well-hydrated. During the activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals and continue drinking water or other fluids after you’re finished.
• Hot or cold weather. You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating. You may also need extra water in cold weather to combat moisture loss from dry air, particularly at higher altitudes
• Illness. Older adults most commonly become dehydrated during minor illnesses — such as influenza, bronchitis or bladder infections. Make sure to drink extra fluids when you’re not feeling well.

Dehydration and its symptoms

Moscow

Health

Adviсe

Dehydration percentage:

• 1% – intense thirst, headache, general malaise;
• 5% – dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath;
• 10% – convulsions, cell death;
• 20% – death.

1

During illness, especially in case of poisoning and SARS, drink much more than usual, and not only hot tea, popular in such situations, but also just clean water;

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2

When exercising and in hot weather, also increase the intake of water that is lost through sweat;

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3

Don’t tolerate being thirsty – always have a small bottle of water with you. And even better – a stylish and compact AQUAPHOR City filter bottle.

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Dehydration in a child: symptoms and prevention

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Dehydration in a child: symptoms and prevention

Dehydration is a pathological condition in which the body loses fluid and, along with it, salts and minerals. Infants and young children are especially at risk of dehydration because they lose fluid faster than adults.

Causes of dehydration

1. Difficulty in the flow of fluid into the body. This situation is rare. This may be the refusal of the child to drink liquid, for example, due to pain when swallowing. Or these are severe pathological conditions in which the child cannot swallow on his own.

2. Increased excretion of water and minerals by the body, when the loss of fluid exceeds its intake. This situation is observed in acute infections, food poisoning, parasitic damage, overheating, burns.

Signs of dehydration in a child: dry mucous membranes, shallow breathing, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, lethargy and irritability; decreased frequency of urination, deformation of the fontanel, lack of tears when crying.

Dehydration is a very dangerous condition, especially for children. Its most common cause is a viral infection with the following manifestations: high fever, loss of appetite, loose stools, vomiting.

In many cases, the infection is caused by rotaviruses.

Dehydration can also be the result of the formation of wounds in the child’s mouth, because they are also the result of the entry of the virus into the body. Painful mouth ulcers make it difficult for a child to eat and drink normally. Dehydration can also occur as a result of intense sweating, so on hot days you should make sure that the child consumes more fluids than usual. Always carry a bottle of water with you.

2. Symptoms of dehydration in children

The first symptoms of dehydration in infants and children are as follows: chills, weakness, crying without tears, dry mouth. In severe cases, symptoms include dry skin, a change in the smell and color of urine, and a decrease in the amount of urination. Having recognized these symptoms, it is worth thinking about how to restore the water balance of the body as soon as possible.

How to quench a child’s thirst?

Water

Pediatricians always recommend water to quench your thirst. Drinking water will not cause a child to lose their appetite and will not have problems with tooth decay and obesity in the future, unlike the consequences of drinking sugary drinks.

A baby only needs a few teaspoons of water a day. When he shows that he is no longer thirsty, stop the process and give the next dose in a few hours.

The water given to the child should be boiled and cooled. Even tap water filtered with special filters is not suitable for direct consumption by a child, as it contains many chemicals and metals that can be harmful to health.

Teas

Teas are also recommended for children, but only in small amounts, as babies often like the sweetened drink. You can also give your child juices, preferably diluted 1:1 with water. The most useful are low-sugar juices containing pulp, without dyes and preservatives. They are meant to be safe for children to consume.

How to avoid dehydration?

If you have already experienced the annoying problem of dehydration in your child, do not rush to panic! Read the detailed description of actions on how to avoid this phenomenon.

Give your child a small amount of water several times a day

Breastfeed your baby more often, especially in hot weather

Use drinking water, chamomile tea and light fruit infusions

Check the temperature of drinks before serving it to the child – it should be at room temperature

Remember that hot days can be dangerous not only for your baby, but also for you. At this time, be sure to have a bottle of water with you separately for yourself and your baby. When a child’s dehydration is so severe that he looks visibly weak and lethargic, see a doctor as soon as possible.

In extreme cases of dehydration (accompanied by fever and diarrhoea), we are talking about inpatient treatment and the installation of a drip under the supervision of doctors

What Diet Should You Follow During Dehydration?

The most important rule during dehydration is the constant filling of the body with fluid. Not only oral rehydration fluids, but also some dietary changes play a key role in solving this problem.