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Dehydration is very common in kids, especially if they are playing outside in hot weather, and are generally physically active or participating in sports. It is important for parents to monitor their child’s hydration levels and ensure they are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

Parents should be concerned if their child is experiencing any signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, or lack of urination. If these symptoms are present, parents should contact their child’s doctor to receive proper medical care.

Night Lite Pediatrics offers dehydration treatment for toddlers. Florida parents can schedule an arrival time via our website.

What is dehydration in toddlers?

Dehydration is when there is not enough water in the body. In toddlers, it is a condition in which there is an excessive loss of water from the body and insufficient water and other fluids are taken in to replace the lost fluids.

Common causes of dehydration in children

There are several common causes of dehydration in children which includes:

  • Not drinking enough fluids: Children often forget to drink enough throughout the day, especially when busy or distracted.
  • Fever or Vomiting: Fever and vomiting can cause a child to lose a lot of fluids quickly.
  • Diarrhea: Diarrhea can cause a child to lose a lot of fluids quickly.
  • Sweating: Excessive sweating due to physical activity or hot weather can cause dehydration.
  • Medications: Diuretics (drugs that increase urination) can cause dehydration.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes, can cause dehydration.
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Symptoms of dehydration in kids

Symptoms of dehydration in kids

Children suffering from dehydration may display one or more of these symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth or sticky mouth
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Little to no urine
  • Low energy
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Dry skin
  • Irritability or confusion
  • Sunken eyes
  • Fever
  • Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) in babies
  • Loss of body weight

Risks of dehydration in toddlers

Dehydration in toddlers can be serious and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. It can lead to a number of serious health complications, such as:

  • Electrolyte imbalance: When the body is dehydrated, the electrolyte balance becomes disrupted, leading to increased sodium in the blood and decreased potassium. This can cause heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat and even heart failure.
  • Heat exhaustion: Dehydration in toddlers can cause them to become overheated and suffer from heat exhaustion. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
  • Kidney problems: Dehydration can cause the kidneys to become overworked, leading to kidney failure or other kidney problems.
  • Seizures: Dehydration can cause the brain to become overly sensitive to stimulation, leading to seizures.
  • Malnutrition: Dehydration can cause the body to become malnourished, leading to poor growth and development.

Treatment for dehydration in toddlers should include the following:

Treatment for dehydration in toddlers may include the following:

  • Give plenty of fluids: Give your toddler plenty of fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions (ORS), clear broths, and diluted juices. Breast milk for babies is very beneficial.
  • Monitor fluid intake: Make sure your toddler drinks enough fluids to replace what has been lost.
  • Feed small meals: Feed your toddler small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming their stomach.
  • Offer electrolyte-rich drinks: Give your toddler drinks that are rich in electrolytes, such as sports drinks or coconut water, to replace lost electrolytes.
  • Monitor urine output: Check the color and amount of urine your toddler produces to make sure they are properly hydrated.
  • Seek medical help: If your toddler’s symptoms don’t improve, or if they worsen, seek assistance from urgent care which can assist with more urgent rehydration treatments such as IV fluids.

Cost of dehydration treatment for babies

Toddler and infant dehydration treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the cause, the severity of the conditions and if further tests, such as urine or blood tests are required.

Once these have been established and a treatment plan decided-upon treatment plan we can give a better indication of the costs.

At Night Lite Pediatrics we accept most major medical health insurance policies as well as self-pay options.

Urgent Care for infant dehydration treatment

Night Lite Pediatrics is comprised of notable physicians in pediatric urgent care and pediatric critical care medicine who are also well-recognized in the Central Florida medical community. 

Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins and suggested arrival times. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

How to schedule an arrival time

FAQ

Below is a list of common questions and answers regarding this condition and treatment:

It’s important to encourage your toddler to increase their fluid intake. Offer frequent sips of fluids, such as water, diluted fruit juice, or an electrolyte solution, and serve high water content foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes. Popsicles or ice chips may help and encourage them to rest in a cool area.

Mild Dehydration: Mild dehydration in pediatrics is defined as a decrease in the body’s total water content. It is usually caused by mild diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased intake of fluids. Symptoms include irritability, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and lethargy.

Severe Dehydration: Severe dehydration in pediatrics occurs when significant amounts of the body’s total water content is lost. It is usually caused by severe diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased intake of fluids. Symptoms include sunken eyes, extreme thirst, dry mouth, fever, and shock. Severely dehydrated children should be taken to urgent or emergency care.

Moderate Dehydration: Moderate dehydration in pediatrics is an average decrease in the body’s total water content. It is usually caused by moderate diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased intake of fluids. Symptoms include reduced urine output, dry mouth, irritability, and lethargy.

You can give your baby an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to help with mild dehydration. However, it is important to speak to your urgent care doctor before giving your baby an ORS to ensure it is the right option for your baby.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

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