Symptoms of dehydration in a child under 2 years of age
Dehydration in babies under the age of two is dangerous, these are the symptoms to watch out for!
Two-year-olds still can’t express what their physical and emotional needs are, so they probably wo n’t be able to tell you that they are thirsty or that they are beginning to feel physically unwell. Parents should be aware of possible signs of dehydration that their children show them so that, in this way, they can prevent the two-year-old from becoming dehydrated.
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water that leaves the body is greater than the amount that has been ingested. This can be a serious condition for anyone, but particularly for children under the age of 2 it can be dangerous and even deadly. Learning how to spot the symptoms of dehydration can help you determine when to call a doctor or seek immediate medical attention before fatal consequences occur in your child.
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MILD TO MODERATE DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS
Older children can tell their parents that they feel sick or thirsty when dehydrated, but children under the age of 2 generally cannot express themselves in words.
This is the reason why parents should be more vigilant to detect possible signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry mouth or lips, irritability, discomfort and not producing tears when crying. Babies who are dehydrated often go more than six hours without wetting a diaper. When a dehydrated baby urinates, the urine in the diaper may appear darker than normal or smell stronger than normal.
If you think your child under the age of two may be dehydrated, you will need to go to the emergency room immediately for immediate care.
SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE DEHYDRATION
If your child is severely dehydrated, it is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Signs of severe dehydration include sunken eyes, excessive sleepiness, and excessive irritability.
The babies with severe dehydration may also have cold hands or feet or spots and may have sunken soft spots on the head . Some babies with severe hydration may become comatose, meaning that no matter how hard you try to stimulate them, they seem to not respond to anything. If this happens to your baby, you have to urgently seek medical attention as your child’s life could be in danger.
TREATMENT FOR DEHYDRATION IN THESE CASES
Mild dehydration may be able to be corrected by providing your child with an electrolyte drink that your pediatrician recommends. However, always call a doctor before giving such a drink to your baby to make sure it is appropriate.
Continue offering your baby formula or breast milk as well. Ideally, give small amounts of liquid, using a teaspoon or syringe, rather than large amounts of liquid at the same time. This is because drinking large amounts of liquid at one time can cause your child to spit it out again. If your baby is very dehydrated, do not try to rehydrate him at home, the best thing you can do is take him to the emergency room. They may need to rehydrate you through IVs or IV.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
You should always be aware of possible signs of dehydration in your child, but some situations require more attention. Children are more likely to become dehydrated if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Dehydration can also occur when a child sweats excessively due to overheating. Having a sore throat or mouth sores can make a baby or young child refuse to drink, which can also cause dehydration. Take a good look at your child, and remember that the best cure is good prevention.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.