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What causes dehydration?
Exposure to high temperatures, direct sun and high humidity without sufficient rest and fluids can lead to dehydration.
Why children face a greater risk of dehydration
A child’s body surface area makes up a much greater proportion of his overall weight than in adults, which means children face a greater risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
It’s important to remedy dehydration straight away, as left alone it can lead to serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Signs of dehydration
Early signs of dehydration include fatigue, thirst, dry lips and tongue, lack of energy and feeling overheated.
But if children wait until they feel thirsty, chances are they’re already dehydrated. Thirst doesn’t really kick in until a child has lost 2% of his or her body weight as sweat.
If your child’s urine is dark in color, rather than clear or light yellow, he may be dehydrated.
How to prevent dehydration
Simply making sure that your child gets used to drinking water regularly will ensure that dehydration doesn’t reach a dangerous level.
Untreated dehydration can lead to painful cramps of the abdominal muscles, arms, or legs.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness and muscle pain.
Symptoms of heatstroke
Heatstroke can be recognised by a high temperature with nausea and vomiting, seizures, disorientation or delirium, lack of sweating, shortness of breath, and can lead to unconsciousness.
Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke require immediate care. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that left untreated can be deadly. Any child with heatstroke should be taken straight to hospital.
If a child is dehydrated due to diarrhoea or vomiting, seek medical help.
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Do you have any tips and tricks for protecting your family from dehydration this summer? Share them by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we may share your comments.
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