What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is the excessive loss of fluids from the body. It happens when the total amount of fluids lost through sweating, urination, diarrhea, and/or vomiting is greater than the fluids taken in. Children can easily become dehydrated while playing a sport or participating in any type of physical activity. Dehydration can make a child more susceptible to a heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. A dehydrated child needs fluid replacement immediately.
Signs of dehydration may include:
Thirst
Dry or sticky mouth
Headache
Muscle cramping
Irritability
Extreme fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Decreased performance
Signs of heat exhaustion may include:
Nausea
Feeling faint or dizzy
Heavy sweating
Rapid, weak heartbeat
Dark-colored urine
Cool, moist, pale skin
Cramps
Headache
Fatigue
Brief Comparison of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Most severe, life-threatening, a medical emergency (call 911 immediately)
Dry, flushed hot skin
Very high body temperature
No sweating
Life-threatening
Heat Exhaustion
Serious, requires prompt attention
Moist, pale, cool skin
May have elevated temperature
Heavy sweating
May become life-threatening (cal 911 immediately)
How to prevent dehydration in children:
Drink 12 ounces of fluid (such as water) 30 minutes before the activity begins.
Children under 90 pounds should drink 5 ounces every 20 minutes during the activity. Children over 90 pounds should drink 9 ounces every 20 minutes during the activity.
Have mandatory fluid breaks- don't wait for the child to tell you he/she is thirsty.
Children should drink fluids after physical activity to make up for fluid loss.
What do to when dehydration and/or heat illness occur:
Treatment of dehydration and heat illness should take place immediately. Depending on the severity of the situation, immediate medical attention may be needed. If heat stroke is suspected, or there is any concern for someone experiencing heat-related illness (for example a child with heat exhaustion who is not quickly improving) call 911 right away while making every effort to cool the patient.
Move the child to a cool place.
Have the child drink cool water or a sports drink, such as Gatorade (should drink only if alert, awake, and not having any vomiting).
Raise the child's legs 8-12 inches.
Cool the body with water. For example, sponge the child's head, face and trunk with cool, wet cloths.
Fan the child.
Keep the child from physical activity until cleared by the doctor.
