If your child experiences diarrhea, it is important to take action to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can occur when the body loses too much fluid, and it can be especially dangerous for young children. Diarrhea can also lead to other serious problems, such as malnutrition and weight loss.
Be Aware of the Signs of Diarrhea in Children
As a parent, it’s important for you to know when something is wrong with your child. If you suspect they have diarrhea, here are some signs that may indicate they have it:
- Watery, loose, or more frequent bowel movements
- Increased urination
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Increased thirst
- Sunken eyes
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
If you notice any of these signs, your child may be dehydrated. Dehydration can be particularly dangerous for young children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of losing fluids.
Dehydration is a medical emergency, and you should call your child’s doctor immediately if you think your child is dehydrated.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Children
You can prevent dehydration in kids by giving them plenty of fluids. It is especially important to drink fluids when you have diarrhea. Drink fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Some good fluids to drink when you have diarrhea include:
- Water
- Sports drinks
- Fruit juices
- Clear broths
You should also avoid drinks that can make diarrhea worse, such as caffeinated beverages and milk or other dairy products.
If your child has diarrhea, it’s best that you give them small amounts of fluids often, rather than large amounts at once. A good rule of thumb is to give your child one ounce of fluid for each pound they weigh every hour.
If your child is vomiting, wait until they have stopped throwing up before giving them fluids. Give them small sips of fluids at first and then gradually increase the amount.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re concerned about your child’s dehydration, contact the doctor. They will decide whether to see your child at the doctor’s office, hospital, or urgent care center.
If your baby is just less than three months old, they may need to be hospitalized. If they’re just less than six months old and have a fever, they may also need to be hospitalized.
Other signs that you should call your doctor right away include:
- If your baby has a fever.
- If your child isn’t urinating.
- If your child has sunken eyes or cheeks.
- If your child has dry, cracked lips.
- If your child has a dry mouth and tongue.
- If your child is tired, cranky, or confused.
- If your child has no tears when they cry.
- If your child has a rapid heartbeat or pulse.
- If your child has low blood pressure.
- If your child has a seizure.
- If your child is unconscious.
- If your child has had more than three episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in 24 hours.
- If your child has watery, bloody, or black stools.
If your child has any symptoms of dehydration, call the doctor right away. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if your child is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to take measures to prevent dehydration. This includes giving your child plenty of fluids to drink, encouraging them to rest, and monitoring their stool for blood or mucus. If your kid’s diarrhea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by a fever, or is severe, it’s best to seek medical attention.
Treat your child’s diarrhea with the help of Your Kids Urgent Care. We provide pediatric urgent care services to all children who enter our offices. Your Kids Urgent Care serves as the intermediary between a child’s primary care physician and the emergency room. Get in touch with us today!
