Recognize Symptoms of Dehydration in Children and How to Overcome It

Not only occurs in adults, dehydration can also be experienced by children. However, dehydration in children is often not realized. 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 far away, excessive urination, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can easily cause a child to become dehydrated.

Recognize Symptoms of Dehydration in Children and How to Overcome It

Symptoms of Dehydration in Children

Here are some symptoms of dehydration in children that parents should recognize:


  • The child's mouth is dry and chapped lips.
  • The frequency of urination (BAK) becomes rare, not even BAK for more than 6-8 hours.
  • Children become sleepy and look weaker.
  • Child's eyes that look more concave.
  • The child's skin becomes drier and rather cold.
  • Children look inactive.
  • The frequency of a child's breathing becomes faster and deeper.
This condition must be dealt with immediately, because if it continues, it can endanger the life.

How to Overcome Dehydration in Children

When experiencing mild dehydration, parents can make some of the following initial treatments:

1. Give sufficient fluid intake
If the child has symptoms of dehydration, immediately provide adequate fluid intake. The mother can give her water, ORS solution, or other fluids. Giving this liquid is useful to replace fluids and salts (electrolytes) that are lost from the body.

2. Give subordinates that contain lots of water
The mother can provide fruits that are rich in water content. This method can overcome mild dehydration in children. Some fruits have enough water content are watermelons, melons, oranges, cucumbers, and strawberries.

3. Make sure the child gets enough rest
After getting adequate fluid intake, make sure the child has enough rest. This aims to speed up the recovery process.

4. Avoid giving children caffeinated drinks
When a child is dehydrated, avoid giving drinks containing caffeine to him. Giving caffeinated drinks to dehydrated children can worsen his condition. Some drinks that contain caffeine levels are tea, soft drinks and chocolate.

You can do some of the above self-treatment when your child has symptoms of dehydration. But if the symptoms of dehydration in children are getting heavier, immediately visit a doctor to get the right treatment.

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