Signs of Dehydration in Children Under 2 Years Old

Signs of Dehydration in Children Under 2 Years Old

There are many causes of dehydration in children under 2 years old such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating etc. Dehydration can range from mild to severe. It usually occurs when the loss of water from the body is greater than the water intake. Dehydration can be a serious condition particularly in case of under the age of 2. If your child is also dehydrated then call a doctor immediately. Given below are some signs of dehydration in children under 2 years old.

Mild to Moderate Dehydration

Some common signs of mild to moderate dehydration may include:

• lethargy
• dry mouth or lips
• irritability
• fussiness
• no tears when crying.
• dark color urine with strong odor

If you also see these symptoms in your baby then seek a doctor’s help.

Severe Dehydration

If your child is severely dehydrated then seeking immediate medical attention is of utmost importance. Call a child specialist as soon as possible. Some common signs of sever dehydration is children under 2 may include:

• sunken eyes
• excessive sleepiness
• excessive fussiness
• cold or splotchy hands or feet
• sunken soft spots on their heads.

Dehydration Treatment for Children Under 2 Years

You can treat mild dehydration by giving your child electrolyte beverage, like Pedialyte or Infalyte. But, ask child specialist before giving any type fluid to your baby. Also, make sure to give your baby small amounts of fluid at one time. For severe dehydration, take your child to the nearest emergency room. It is also essential to keep an eye on your baby for the dehydration signs.

These were some signs of dehydration in children under 2 years old. Take essential steps to keep child dehydration at bay. Still, do not forget to take an expert advice of a doctor.

Take Care!

Signs of Dehydration in Infants

Signs of Dehydration in Infants

There are many causes of dehydration in infants, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea etc. Dehydration occurs due to the elimination of water and salts from the body than normal. It is really very essential to know about dehydration signs and symptoms to treat this problem quickly and accurately. Given below are some signs of dehydration in infants along with some tips on how to treat dehydration in infants.

Signs of Dehydration in Infants

One of the most common signs of dehydration in infants is reduce numbers of wet diapers. Some other common signs and symptoms of dehydration in infants are:

• Less or no tearing when crying
• Dry lips
• Mouth parching 
• Baby’s feet are cold to touch
• Sunken fontanels – indication of serious dehydration
• Sunken eyes – another serious sign of dehydration
• Extreme thirst
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat.

How to Treat Dehydration In Infants

Give you infant oral rehydration solution to prevent and treat dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Oral rehydration solution is best when given as early as the symptoms start to set in. You can also make this solution in your home. To make it, mix

½ teaspoon of baking soda

 3 tablespoons of sugar

 1/2 teaspoon of salt

 1 liter or more of clean water

Mix all the ingredients accurately and give it to your child until the urine becomes clear in color. Foods such as juices, sodas, milk gelatins should be avoided. You can prevent these signs of dehydration by giving you child the adequate amount of fluid they need. You baby should be dress in loose cotton clothes. Lastly, consult with a child specialist immediately to get an appropriate advice.

Dehydration and Headaches

Dehydration and Headaches

The simple definition of dehydration is the loss of water and other electrolytes from the body. Electrolytes are essential for carrying out several bodily functions. There are many activities that are responsible for the loss of water from the body, such as urination, sweating and breathing. It is important to replenish the lost amount of water to keep your body well hydrated. Dehydration is responsible for causing several health related problems including headaches.

How Dehydration and Headaches are Related?

The main cause of dehydration of dehydration headaches is the loss of water and electrolytes from the body. Our body tries to conserve the remaining water and for this purpose, it constricts the blood vessels. Due to constricted blood vessels the amount of oxygen and blood to the brain is reduced.

Some common causes of dehydration include

• Not drinking enough water or other fluid
• Intake of dehydration causing substances like coffee and alcohol
• Various physical activities like sports and exercises etc.
• Use of diuretics, antihistamines and calcium channel blockers
• Various medical conditions such as diabetes, and kidney and adrenal gland disorders

How to Treat Headache due to Dehydration

When suffering from dehydration, you will feel pain on the front, back or one side of your head. In some cases, this pain can also be felt throughout the entire head. You will also notice that the pain get worsened on bending your head or moving it sideways. One of the best and natural treatments for this condition is to drink plenty of water. You can also take help from sports drinks to replenish your body fluid. If none of the way works, then you can also take over the counter pain relievers.

Tips to Prevent Headache due to Dehydration

Here are some tips to prevent dehydration headaches

As stated before, drinking water throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dehydration headaches. According to the experts, drink about 40 ounce of water for per 100 pounds of body weight. Increase your water intake, in case

• If you are engaged with physical activities like sports or exercises.
• If you are living in warmer weather or climate
• If you are taking medications
• If you are suffering from a certain health condition such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes and kidney disease

Also, look for the other signs of dehydration like frequency of urination and the color of urine. In this condition you need to replenish the body by consuming water and other electrolyte drinks.

Best Electrolyte Drink

Best Electrolyte Drink

Electrolyte drink is combination of salt, sugar, minerals (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) and water. Most of the sports drinks are electrolyte drinks and according to The American College of Sports Medicine, if you are a sport person then you must consume 17 ounces of electrolyte drink 2 hours prior to exercising. This will help you to prevent dehydration. Also, it is essential to consume it on regular intervals to retain the body fluid. Electrolyte drinks are also beneficial in the prevention of post work out muscle fatigue. Electrolyte drink helps to restore the requisite minerals in the body. Give below are some types of electrolyte drinks. Read about them to choose the best electrolyte drink for you.

Best Electrolytic Drink

Types of electrolyte drinks:

Isotonic Electrolyte Drinks

• These are water based drinks.
• They contain glucose and fructose in a concentration of 6 to 8 percent.
• This type of electrolyte drink is good for long distance runners.
• Isotonic electrolyte drinks will give you an instant result.

Hypotonic Electrolyte Drinks

• Less than 8% carbohydrate and mineral content and are low in calories.
• Good for daily consumption after exercise.
• These types of drinks help to maintain a normal fluid balance in the body.
• Mostly used by jockeys and gymnasts.

Hypertonic Electrolyte Drinks

• These drinks are loaded with carbohydrates.
• Best for heavy training exercises and ultra distance events.

Some good examples of electrolyte drinks are Boots Isotonic, Lucazade Sport, Sis Go, Accelerade and Gatorade.

Side Effects of Dehydration

Side Effects of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs due to the loss of water or fluids from the body due to various reasons like exercise, perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination etc. It is essential to know and treat the symptoms of dehydration in order to prevent it from becoming life threatening. Some common symptoms of dehydration include:

• dry skin and mouth
• muscle weakness
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• decreased urination and increased thirst
• hypotension
• sunken eyes
• fever
• unconsciousness

Side Effects of Dehydration

When the body is suffering from a minor dehydration, the cellular fluid is taken up; and afterwards the extra cellular fluid and finally water is taken up from the bloodstream, which at last results in an emergency condition. Regular dehydration is responsible for causing various side effects like edema (water retention) and other health related problems including gout, arthritis, heartburn, colitis, hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, migraine and muscular dystrophy. Apart from these conditions, dry skin, muscle spasm and headaches are some other side effects of dehydration.

Treatment for Dehydration

There are many treatment options available to get rid of dehydration.

Treatment for minor dehydration - Drink plenty of water and fresh juice.

Treatment for severe dehydration- Electrolyte fluid orally or through intravenous (IV) fluids

Dehydration can be a life threatening condition therefore, it is essential to prevent it by keeping your body fully hydrated.