Dehydration - Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

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Dehydration is a condition leading to loss of water from the body. Dehydration occurs in many conditions including diarrhea and vomiting. Any condition causing loss of water from the body leads to dehydration. Children get dehydrated very fast. In vomiting the child is unable to retain water and gets dehydrated. In diarrhea the child loses water very fast. The stools are very watery. A dehydrated child is generally very lethargic. In infants less than 18 months, the anterior fontanelle is depressed. The eyes are sunken and lusterless.  The tongue is dry and the child feels very thirsty.  The child may cry but there are no tears. The skin is dry is dry and lusterless. The child does not pass urine or very little urine. The breathing may become fast. If dehydration persists, the child might collapse.


According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – A child specialist in Karachi Severe dehydration requires urgent treatment. Intravenous fluids should be given. Not only is there loss of water but loss of electrolytes as well. In mild dehydration, oral rehydration fluids (ORS) should be given. Fluids should be given in small quantities as sips of water.

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