Signs of dehydration in children require attention in summer; see what the symptoms are and how to prevent it
As summer and school holidays arrive, parents and guardians need to pay attention to their children’s health. At this time of year, care for the little ones must be doubled, especially with nutrition, hydration and the intense heat of the season.
The coordinator of the pediatric intensive care unit of the Icaraí Hospital, Gabriel Farias, comments that the main ailments during the summer are diseases such as dehydration, food poisoning, heat stroke, mycosis, among others.
According to the doctor, the warning signs tend to be: dry mouth, drowsiness, irritation, lack of tears when crying and dark urine, which could be signs of dehydration.
Dehydration in children
Common at this time of year, dehydration in children is usually caused by excessive fluid loss, for example through vomiting and/or diarrhea. Signs and symptoms include:
- Play and talk less;
- Being irritated and grumpy;
- Cry without tears;
- Dry mouth;
- Having sunken eyes and cheeks;
- Lose weight in a few days;
- Urinate less than two or three times a day.
Infant dehydration can be avoided by taking certain precautions. According to Gabriel, symptoms such as vomiting, fever or fainting require immediate evaluation. «Know how to recognize the signs and, if necessary, contact the pediatric emergency room», warns the specialist.
Health care
The lack of some precautions, such as inadequate use of sunscreen, excessive exposure to the sun, poor hydration and an unhealthy diet, can compromise children’s health in summer.
According to your doctor, drinking fluids is essential to prevent dehydration. The ideal is to offer water suitable for consumption instead of juices, soft drinks and other sugary drinks.
“To avoid this, offer water regularly, opt for liquid-rich fruits (like watermelon and orange) and avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10am to 4pm),” advises Gabriel .
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
